Hilltop at Home: February Edition
Welcome to February’s edition of Hilltop at Home! This season, our horses and team are enjoying a slower winter rhythm while looking ahead to the months to come. As we move through this time of year, we’re getting closer to the start of programming and are excited to reconnect soon.
Hilltop at Home activities are designed to help keep minds and bodies engaged throughout the winter months, offering meaningful ways to stay connected to Hilltop Horizons even when we’re not together at the barn. We love seeing how our community participates—photos, notes, and letters are always welcome and are often shared with our horses!
Thank you for being such an important part of the Hilltop Horizons community. Your continued connection and support mean so much to us.
Enjoy!
Hilltop at Home: January Edition
Welcome to January’s edition of Hilltop at Home! This season, our horses and team are enjoying a slower winter rhythm while looking ahead to the months to come. As we move through this time of year, we’re getting closer to the start of programming and are excited to reconnect soon.
Hilltop at Home activities are designed to help keep minds and bodies engaged throughout the winter months, offering meaningful ways to stay connected to Hilltop Horizons even when we’re not together at the barn. We love seeing how our community participates—photos, notes, and letters are always welcome and are often shared with our horses!
Thank you for being such an important part of the Hilltop Horizons community. Your continued connection and support mean so much to us.
Enjoy!
Winter Volunteer Spotlight
Winter at the barn is quieter, but the work never stops. While programming slows, there are still horses to care for, routines to keep, and our volunteers continue to show up with smiles.
This season, we want to take a moment to recognize the dedicated volunteers who help keep Hilltop Horizons running behind the scenes. From cold days in the barn to extra time spent helping wherever it’s needed, their commitment makes a meaningful difference.
At Hilltop Horizons, volunteers support our programs in many ways. During the winter months, you can find them helping to bring horses in for feeding, learning how to prepare and distribute grain, cleaning stalls, and brushing those dirty horses!
What makes our volunteers so special is not just what they do, but how they do it. They bring patience, kindness, and consistency to the barn. They learn each horse’s personality, support each other and staff, and contribute to the calm, steady rhythm that makes Hilltop feel like a safe place.
During the winter months, this support is especially meaningful. Whether it’s helping prepare the barn for the upcoming season, spending time with the horses, or simply being a familiar face, our volunteers remain an essential part of the Hilltop community. It takes a village!
Let’s hear from some of our Winter Crew:
“Winter volunteering is the best medicine for the winter season. The cold temperatures have made me a hearty soul! I never thought I would like winter! The horses and the work keep the winter “blues” away, especially for us summer girls. It puts a whole new outlook on winter for me! I love spending time at the barn.”
“Volunteering in the winter, and throughout the year, is another way I like to give back to my community. Giving back reduces my stress from work and daily life (horses are amazing at doing so!). Volunteering in winter can be great exercise too-outdoors, in fresh air! (On cold days, it’s like a natural cold plunge!) I have made some awesome friends and found great teammates along the way, too. Ultimately, I just help to support a program which goes perfectly in line with lifestyle, beliefs and profession as a chiropractor.”
“l always like going to my happy place because if I had a rough week, I enjoy coming out to see my second family. Wink makes me laugh with of all the funny things he does and I can’t wait till spring.””
We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and care our volunteers give — in every season.
Thank you for being part of Hilltop Horizons.
Hilltop Horizons 2025: A Year in Review
As 2025 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the moments that give our work meaning. From first rides, to big breakthroughs, our participants continued to show us what determination and growth look like. None of it would be possible without our incredible horses, volunteers, staff, families, and supporters who make this community so special.
Thank you for being part of our 2025 story. We’re heading into the new year grateful, inspired, and ready for what’s ahead.
Watch the reel to see some of our favorite moments from the year.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 campaign - Because of you, we're heading into the new year prepared to support our participants through equine-assisted services more effectively than ever.
“It Feels Like I’m Flying” - Kaitlin’s Story at Hilltop Horizons
Kaitlin shares with us just how transformative equine-assisted services can be for individuals with physical and developmental challenges.
At Hilltop Horizons, we believe in the power of equine movement — as a pathway to wellness, and as a bridge to greater independence and joy. For a young woman with cerebral palsy, equine movement isn’t just therapeutic — it gives you wings.
Kaitlin’s journey reminds us of the heart of Hilltop Horizons:
Everyone is meant to thrive — and horses help guide the way.
YOU can support participants like Kaitlin by supporting Hilltop Horizons’ mission
Thank you, Reese: Honoring a very special pony.
At the end of this program year, we have made the decision to retire our beloved pony, Reese from her full-time job. She will be moving on to her new home where she will enjoy cuddles, hugs, and much earned down time with her new horse friend, Baby.
Reese has given so much to Hilltop Horizons since coming the the program in 2022. Let’s celebrate her with a look back at all she has done.
Reese has helped Adaptive Riding participants learn and grow 503 times since coming to our program. She has partnered with participants to provide therapy 298 times between our Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy programs.
Known to most as our resident dinosaur, Reese was always ready for Equine Assisted Learning sessions. Those days meant her favorite things: a long, relaxing groom and quality time with some truly wonderful participants.
Though we will miss her dearly, all of us at Hilltop Horizons are thankful for the loving family who has welcomed Reese into her new home.
Thank you for the memories, Reese!
A Barn That Feels Like Home: Why Access Matters for All Abilities
Abigail is an adaptive riding client who came to Hilltop Horizons with one goal: she wanted to ride, not just with help, but on her own.
Week by week, with the support of her instructors, volunteers, and her equine partners, Abigail has built strength, confidence, and skill. Every small victory was celebrated — a smoother mount, a steadier seat, a stronger grip on the reins.
Now, Abigail rides with confidence and continues to gain independence each week.
She says…
“I cannot thank Hilltop Horizons enough for the joy that they have been able to share with me through adaptive riding. Before starting at Hilltop Horizons, I was skeptical of whether riding would be possible. Since being diagnosed with a spinal cord injury from Multiple Sclerosis in 2020, I had been longing for a way to reconnect with friends, family, and the outdoors. Previously, I was an avid hiker among many other things, but MS changed that for me. A close friend suggested I look into horseback riding. I reached out to Hilltop Horizons at the beginning of the year, and from day one, we hit the ground running. Through Hilltop Horizons, I have been able to do what I thought was impossible. They have given me every tool available and the support to be able to say I can ride independently despite a spinal cord injury. I think more people need to be able to have access to organizations like this. Especially those who go through unexpected, life-changing events. Whether you're an adult, a child, an elder, a veteran, or someone newly diagnosed with a disability, this barn is your home. Illness and challenges can affect all of us in life at any time. Being able to have passionate and caring people to help you through finding your passion again means the world to those of us who are finding our way again.”
Abigail’s journey reminds us of the heart of Hilltop Horizons:
Everyone is meant to thrive — and horses help guide the way.
YOU can support participants like Abigail by supporting Hilltop Horizons’ mission
A Sweet Success: Celebrating Community and Connection at This Year’s Horse Show
This fall, our annual Horse Show brought together participants, families, volunteers, and supporters for a day filled with joy, connection, and celebration. With a playful Candyland theme, the event was a colorful reminder of how powerful community can be when people come together for a purpose.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and attendees, we raised over $20,000 to support life-changing equine-assisted services in our community. These funds go directly toward helping participants grow in confidence, connection, and skill through the programs offered at Hilltop Horizons.
Every moment of support - from cheering on our participants to volunteering behind the scenes - made a difference. Together, we’re helping create opportunities for growth and empowerment that extend far beyond the arena.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s event possible. Your belief in our mission allows Hilltop Horizons to continue flourishing and offering meaningful experiences that strengthen both individuals and our broader community.
An extra special thank you to this year’s Horse Show Sponsors:
As we look ahead, we carry forward the energy, kindness, and collaboration that made this year’s show so special. Thank you for being part of the journey and for helping keep our mission - and our participants - moving forward
Thankful for your support. Past, Present, and Future...
We are so thankful for the support of our community that has allowed us to continue making a difference through equine assisted services. Learn how you can support us in future endeavors!
Thankful for your support.
Past, Present, and Future…
We are so thankful for the support of our community that has allowed us to continue making a difference through equine assisted services.
We could not make this impact without the generous support of our community.
Help us continue growing our impact by supporting us this Giving Tuesday, December 3rd!
Ways to Give…
Support our Expansion Campaign
A New Horizon for Hilltop
We have been blessed to continue growing our mission each year since our founding in 2017, and we are ready to take our mission to the next level by acquiring an equestrian facility with year-round programming capabilities.
Join our Monthly Giving Circle
Become a part of our Hilltop Horizons Giving Circle and give meaningful monthly donations that make a difference in the daily operations at Hilltop Horizons.
Give a Gift
Visit our Amazon Wish List and help supply needed items for our horses and program!
Get your 2025 Calendar
Experience the joy of Hilltop Horizons in your home all year long! All proceeds benefit Hilltop Horizons' mission.
Volunteer
Volunteers are the backbone of Hilltop Horizons' program, and we need YOU to make a difference.
Thank You for a Great 2021!
Thanks to you, Hilltop Horizons made 2021 a year to remember. We were able to experience several firsts, and continue much loved traditions.
Thank You and Happy New Year!
Thanks to you, Hilltop Horizons made 2021 a year to remember. We were able to experience several firsts, and continue much loved traditions. None of this would have been possible without our devoted volunteers, wonderful riders, and their supportive families.
Hilltop Horizons has achieved and surpassed goals, allowing our community to grow, excel, and thrive. We are so very grateful for each person in our community for helping to make this past year such a success
Thank You!
Hilltop Horizons 2021 Recap
Looking Forward into 2022
Stay up to date with our upcoming events!
We are excited to keep making an impact in 2022!
We will be in touch with current participants and those hoping to join our program in the coming month.
Continue Supporting our Mission
Help us continue to provide life-changing programs by supporting us in one of the following ways:
Become a Volunteer!
Volunteers are the backbone of Hilltop Horizons' program and we thank you for your interest!
Upcoming New Volunteer Orientation:
Saturday, April 23rd at 1:00pm
Thank you for a great year! Let's make 2022 another impactful year!
Copper's Impact
This spring we decided that it was time for one of our special therapy horses, Copper, to move from a full time therapy horse job to a part time family trail horse job.
This spring we decided that it was time for one of our special therapy horses, Copper, to move from a full time therapy horse job to a part time family trail horse job. She will now get to spend her days grazing with her pasture mate, Cannon, and trail riding with her new family. We are so thankful for Copper’s contributions to our program, so we wanted to take a few minutes to celebrate the joys and successes she was able to spread while she was with our program.
Over the two years that Copper worked with us, she was the go-to horse for over 10 of our weekly participants and a great partner for our unmounted groups.
She loved to be groomed and especially loved her head scratches.
On the weekends you might find her in a gaming class or on the trails.
We are so glad to see our special girl, Copper, move on to a loving family and settle into her new home with Cannon and her new friend, Spartan!
All of us at Hilltop Horizons will surely miss you, Copper! Thank you for all of the memories.
A New Horizon for the Hilltop: Raising Funds for an Indoor Facility
Hilltop Horizons has big plans for our future home, and we need your help to help us reach this goal. Here are some ways that an indoor facility would make a difference in our community.
An Indoor facility… endless possibilities
In September we launched our Expansion Campaign to begin the pursuit of an indoor facility for Hilltop Horizons. We are so grateful for all of the support, thus far! Hilltop Horizons has big plans for our future home, and we need your help to help us reach this goal.
Here are some ways that an indoor facility would make a difference in our community:
Year-round programming - We would be able to DOUBLE service hours for our current participants
Increased capacity for participants - We would be able to QUADRUPLE the number of participants we serve in our adaptive riding program within the first six months
Expanded services - We would be able to add additional services to our program including occupational and physical therapies
There are endless possibilities for growth and impact with an indoor facility. Help us reach our goal of raising $60,000. You can learn more about ways to contribute at the link below:
*header image by Joy of the Moment Photography
Thank you! 150 Envelope Campaign Recap
Our first month long campaign as a 501(c)3 nonprofit resulted in over $2,000 funds raised and many heartfelt messages that we will treasure always.
Thank yoU!
Our first month long campaign as a 501(c)3 nonprofit resulted in over $2,000 funds raised and many heartfelt messages that we will treasure always. We are so thankful for each and every member of our community who contributed and shared our cause with others. To those who left a message on their envelope and those who donated anonymously, we are SO GRATEFUL!
Below is a collection of the sponsored envelopes:
#1: Georgette and Jessica Osman
“Thank you for providing this service for my daughter!”
#2: Madison Scarsella
“Maddy misses you all”
#3: Anonymous
#4: Angee Lash
“For the four awesome years that I’ve been in love with horses”
#6: George Unger
“For Ellen’s Birthday (12/6)”
#7: Daniel Priest: In Memory of Annie
“Good luck!”
#8: George Unger
“For my birthday (1/8)”
#10: Chuck and Anita Halstead
“Our Family’s Birthdays!”
#11: Amanda
“So happy you are able to run this center 😃”
#13: Leslie Buchanan
“Happy 13th Birthday Kaylyn!! I am so proud of you and happy to see you involved in such an amazing organization!”
#14: Gretchen Veri
“For the always smiling Keira! Happy Belated Birthday!”
Chuck and Anita Halstead
“Our Family’s Birthdays!”
#15: “Happy Birthday Ainsley!”
#17: Karin & Angee
“The year that Hilltop Horizons began to make a difference in the lives of others, including ours. Angee and I are so blessed to be a part of this wonderful organization and to get to work with some awesome individuals.”
#18: Annie Gilbreath Devine
“The year Leo and I became a part of Hilltop Horizons. We started out helping so that Leo, a service-dog-in-training would become desensitized to the horses and now 2 years later Leo runs alongside his boy on his horse while I continue to help alongside all the wonderful riders here at Hilltop Horizons. Truly a blessing!”
#19: Teyana Kent
“The year that my adventure with Hilltop Horizons started. I can’t wait for all the years to come being involved with this great place!”
#20: Luke Megaludis
“I would love to attend but with this coronavirus going on I really miss my horse. He is a good fella, my Macky Boy”
#21: Teva Farley
“For my new daughter Teyana!! She loves her horses and working at this great establishment!”
#22: For Copper from Kyra & Leigh Anne
“For our favorite horse, Copper. We miss you! We hope to see you soon.”
#23: Garima Agarwal
“Happy Birthday Ainsley!!!! Lucky to have such a hardworking, smart and passionate friend like you! Hope this year is the best yet :))”
#24: Margaret Wilson
“Continue your good works”
#25: Elena
“Thank you for all that you do.”
#28: George Unger
“For Lucy’s birthday (1/28)”
#29: Chuck and Anita Halstead
“Our Family’s Birthdays!”
#30: Leslie Buchanan
“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle. -Winston Churchill”
#31: Chuck and Anita Halstead
“Our Family’s Birthdays!”
#33: Donald Kelly
#40: Ainsley Berringer
“For the 40 awesome volunteers in 2019!”
#48: Kodic Family
“Angelina loves riding. She hopes to be back in the saddle soon.”
#49: Ashley D’Andrea
“This is for my wonderful horse, Dominique.”
#50: Deb Unger
“Hope!”
#59: Patricia Slade
“In honor of Keira”
#60: Yvonne Megaludis
“Walk on, Whoa, Look between your horse's ears. Great Job!!!”
#62: Marisa Kebekus
“Looking forward to volunteering again this year with a great program that helps so many. I am thankful for all of the wonderful and kind people (and horses) I met along the way.”
#76: In Memory of my mom, Georgia Jean Rush
“My mom was 76. Her birthday falls on Mother’s Day this year. She worked as a receptionist at a children’s clinic for speech and OT. I’m sure she would love your program!”
#87: Jesse Farley
#89: Anonymous
#100: Anonymous
#110: Auberly Berringer
“For our fearless leader, Ainsley, who always dedicates 110% to the program, riders, and volunteers.”
#148: Anonymous
#149: Lori Dillon
“This is such a wonderful program. Thank you Ainsley!!”
#150: Anonymous
Thank you all for supporting our mission!
Are you interested in supporting Hilltop Horizons in other ways?
What to Expect at Your New Rider Evaluation
We love meeting new potential participants! We also know that this can be a big step for many families to make into the world of therapeutic horsemanship, so having an idea of what to expect may help.
We love meeting new potential participants! We also know that this can be a big step for many families to make into the world of therapeutic horsemanship, so having an idea of what to expect may help.
What will we be doing during my evaluation?
Your evaluation will consist of four main components:
Meet and greet with staff - Have a chat with our staff so they can learn about your needs, goals, interests, hobbies, and any special precautions we may need to know about for our programs.
Practice your skills with our mock horse - Practice mounting our practice barrel, and participate in other basic activities, so we can get an idea of the supports we need to provide during programming.
Barn Tour - Check out the space where you will be participating in our programs!
Horse Interaction - Meet one of our therapy horses and have the opportunity to groom and spend time getting comfortable in the equine environment.
Do I need to bring or wear anything specific?
Bring any paperwork that is still outstanding, and wear your close toed shoes!
How long should I expect to spend at my evaluation?
Evaluations usually take 30-45 minutes. Short and sweet!
Want to sign up for your free evaluation?
Therapeutic Riding: An Adaptive Sport with Many Benefits
There are sometimes misconceptions about what therapeutic riding is. Is it therapy? Is it a pony ride? The best way to help clear up any misunderstanding is to tell you what therapeutic riding IS.
There are sometimes misconceptions about what therapeutic riding is. Is it therapy? Is it a pony ride? The best way to help clear up any misunderstanding is to tell you what therapeutic riding IS.
Therapeutic riding teaches horsemanship skills…
Therapeutic riding, also known as adaptive riding, is an adaptive recreational activity designed for many ages and abilities. The main goal of these lessons is to teach horsemanship skills. Just like in adaptive skiing, the participant is learning how to ski in a way that suits their needs and abilities, therapeutic riding teaches horseback riding and related horsemanship skills.
Therapeutic riding instructors are NOT therapists…
Therapeutic riding instructors are trained and certified in the adaptive sport of therapeutic riding. While they are knowledgeable about different conditions and how horseback riding can benefit them, instructors are NOT practicing therapists.
Therapeutic riding has therapeutic benefits…
Wait… You just told you that instructors are not therapists but now therapeutic riding is therapeutic? Yes! Just like a relaxing walk outside or the scent of lavender can be considered “therapeutic” so can therapeutic riding. Horses, and the equine environment in general, provide a plethora of opportunities for participants to see benefits. Some of these benefits include improvements in:
Balance, posture, and coordination
Muscle tightness
Strength of core muscles necessary for walking
Cognition and motor planning
Vestibular, circulatory, and nervous system functions
Sensory processing skills
SO MANY MORE.
Therapeutic (adaptive) riding is a benefit to so many people in so many walks of life. Because it is considered an adaptive sport, participants get to learn a new, fun, rewarding sport all while seeing therapeutic benefits. The empowering experience of riding a horse is unmatched by any other adaptive sport.
Why Choose a PATH Intl. Center for your Equine-Assisted Program Needs?
By participating with a PATH Intl. center, you can be sure that you will be working with a center that is safe, professional, and ready to serve to the best of their ability.
When trying to choose the right place to participate in equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT), all of the options can be overwhelming. Here is a little bit of insight into the industry and why member centers and premier accredited centers of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) will give you the most worthwhile experience.
PATH Intl. Centers
PATH Intl. is a national organization, founded in 1969, under which centers providing EAAT can become members and accredited centers. With this association comes a constant presence of quality assurance. To become a PATH Intl. member center, a manual of standards, set forth by PATH Intl., must be followed during all EAAT activities. These standards focus on the safety of participants and volunteers during lessons and in the facility, as well as guidelines for how the business should be handled. Because of these standards, PATH Intl. centers are held to a higher standard than other therapeutic riding centers may be. In addition to these standards, PATH Intl. provides resources on numerous special challenges that centers may address and gives useful information to help them best serve these individuals in the EAAT setting.
PATH Intl. Professionals
Services performed by PATH Intl. centers are completed by internationally certified individuals in that discipline. For example, therapeutic riding lessons are taught by individuals who have gone through an intensive training process and testing to become a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor. In addition to this initial training, continuing education hours are required each year to maintain certification. Because of this, instructors are continually educating themselves for the betterment of the clients they serve. To learn more about the certification process for PATH Intl. therapeutic riding instructors, read The Process of Becoming a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
PATH Intl. Continued Improvement
Going along with this education, PATH Intl. itself is also always researching and improving the standards and up-to-date resources that are provided to its centers. Without these standards that serve as the backbone of PATH Intl. centers, there would be no underlying guideline to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the programs being offered at that center. By participating with a PATH Intl. center, you can be sure that you will be working with a center that is safe, professional, and ready to serve to the best of its ability.
What Shaped Me - A Note From our Instructor
Hilltop Horizons and therapeutic riding, hold a special place in my heart, so I thought I'd take the time to tell you all a little bit about my background and how I got here.
Hello!
I'm the owner and PATH Intl. therapeutic riding instructor at Hilltop Horizons. Hilltop Horizons and therapeutic riding, hold a special place in my heart, so I thought I'd take the time to tell you all a little bit about my background and how I got here.
Like every little girl's dream - I was lucky enough to get my first pony when I was eight years old. I joined 4-H around the same time and from here I started learning more and more about horses and became involved in shows, clinics, and community service projects. During my time in 4-H, I showed Western Pleasure on two of my beloved horses, one of which I trained from a baby. 4-H shaped my knowledge, experience, and love of horses and also taught me the importance of giving back to the community.
When I graduated high school and moved on to college at WVU, I took two equine-assisted therapies classes that were taught by the executive director of the nearby therapeutic horsemanship center, On Eagles' Wings. This is where I truly found my passion for the therapeutic horsemanship industry. At this center, I volunteered and gained my teaching hours to become a therapeutic riding instructor myself.
At the same time, I decided to move on from WVU to attend Chatham University in Pittsburgh. I had decided that I wanted to pursue a degree in occupational therapy, so that I could practice hippotherapy (another therapeutic horsemanship activity performed by a licensed therapist) in the future. Moving back to Pittsburgh, I now had the opportunity to begin my own therapeutic riding center, while pursuing my degree in occupational therapy. With these goals in mind, I completed a professional internship at another therapeutic riding center in the area, Nickers 'n Neighs (now The Stoneybrook Foundation), where I gained even more experience within the industry.
Outside of the horse world, I have experience with individuals with disabilities through my work in a community living setting for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Here, I really gained a deeper understanding of these individuals' needs and challenges, as well as the importance of celebrating who they are and what they accomplish everyday.
After all of these great opportunities, I traveled to North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center and officially completed my certification as a registered-level PATH Intl. therapeutic riding instructor. I was beyond thrilled to achieve this goal and began the process of starting Hilltop Horizons!
Hilltop Horizons is named after my first show horse, who taught me so much about horses, riding, and life in general. "Sugar", as we called her at the barn, played a huge role in shaping my confidence and self image as a young girl. I truly don't believe I would be the person I am today without her, and other horses like her, that have been in my life.
Today at Hilltop Horizons, you can meet my first pony, my show horse that I trained from a baby, and a few other special horses, who all help out in our therapeutic riding lessons. A place so near and dear to my heart, I hope that Hilltop Horizons can give to others what horses have given to me over the years.
Thanks for reading,
Ainsley Berringer
Instruction vs. Games
It's important to realize that the games and activities that we provide during lessons do not replace riding instruction. In fact, these games and activities serve to enhance the learning of riding skills.
Every instructor is different and every therapeutic riding lesson is different. However, each lesson can basically be broken down into instruction and games/activities. Some lessons may contain more instruction than games or vice versa. It really depends on the riding skill and the rider.
Instruction
The instruction portion of riding lessons involves the What's, Why's, and How's of the riding skill. Riding skills are the core of our lessons, and these three areas help our riders to understand the riding skill on a deeper level and create more successful equestrians.
Games
This is where a riding skill can be applied in an engaging way. Games and activities can come in many different forms and use various teaching tools based on the needs of the rider. These games and activities are always facilitated by the instructor and focus on the goals of the rider.
Example Riding Skill and Relevant Game
Riding Skill: Halting
What: Stopping your horse
Why: It's important to be able to halt your horse so you have more control and independence while riding.
How: Pull back your reins to your hips and say "woah"
Relevant Game: Red Light, Green Light Activity
Games vs. Instruction
It's important to realize that the games and activities that we provide during lessons do not replace riding instruction. In fact, these games and activities serve to enhance the learning of riding skills. The games and activities always have a core purpose. They allow the rider to practice their riding skills in a fun and rewarding way. For some, activities grant an extra layer of complexity (such as a riding pattern) that will keep them challenged in their lessons. For others, a game might be a great way to keep the rider mentally engaged in performing their riding skills by incorporating elements that the rider is familiar with outside of riding lessons.
Tracking Riders' Progress
Here at Hilltop Horizons, we love to see our riders grow and succeed through our program - but how exactly is this tracked when each rider has vastly unique goals?
Here at Hilltop Horizons, we love to see our riders grow and succeed through our program - but how exactly is this tracked when each rider has vastly unique goals?
Initial Evaluation
This process begins during the rider's very visit to Hilltop Horizons. Each student undergoes a preliminary evaluation that allows our instructor to gauge their strengths and areas of difficulty. This allows us to determine the type of horse, tack, and support needed to make therapeutic riding lessons successful for this individual. The evaluation also serves as a great time to start forming goals for the rider. We discuss with the rider and their family areas where they would like to improve in their life. The instructor then takes this information and transforms it into goal-oriented horsemanship tasks. For example, if one of the rider's goals is to improve their communication skills, one of the first things we would work on would be verbally and non-verbally telling their horse to "walk on" and "woah".
Progress Notes
After each therapeutic riding lesson, the instructor will write progress notes on that session. These will include if the objective of the lesson was met, strengths and weaknesses of the lesson, and ideas for how to move forward in future lessons. Continuing with the example from above, a rider who was working on communication and had mastered cuing their horse to "walk on" and "woah", would then move to a goal such as communicating to their volunteers where they want to steer their horse in the arena. In this way, the rider is building on their communication and moving to interpersonal interactions.
The overall purpose of the evaluation and progress notes is to create a long term goal and work towards it through a series of short term goals. The goals and needs of the rider are constantly re-evaluated and changed as needed in order to create the most cultivating and successful experience for each rider.
What is Equine Assisted Learning?
In addition to the population that is traditionally served in therapeutic riding, Equine Assisted Learning is offered to an even larger breadth of individuals.
I wanted to switch gears this week and talk a little bit about another branch of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) that may be beneficial to some members of our community. In addition to the population that is traditionally served in therapeutic riding, Equine Assisted Learning is offered to an even larger breadth of individuals.
What is Equine Assisted Learning?
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) involves a series of unmounted horsemanship activities. These are often completed individually or in a larger group setting and focus on problem solving and team building exercises. In some cases, EAL sessions may focus on horsemanship activities that can't be done on horseback, such as bathing or leading the horse. In others, a group may use the horse as a means to a deeper understanding of themselves as individuals.
What are the benefits?
Horses are strong, independent, and emotionally expressive animals. Learning how they respond to your actions is often very eye opening to participants as they begin to realize the impact their actions may have on this animal (and people they interact with). Learning the nonverbal communication that horses use translates well to body language that we present to the people around us.
In addition to the increase in self-awareness, equine assisted learning can have an array of other benefits. There are countless educational, problem solving, team building, and fun activities that participants can be a part of to further their knowledge of themselves, their group, the horse, and the environment around them.
read more...
-
Equine Assisted Learning
- Sep 19, 2017 What is Equine Assisted Learning?
- PATH Intl.
-
Therapeutic Riding
- Dec 18, 2019 Therapeutic Riding: An Adaptive Sport with Many Benefits
- Feb 1, 2018 What Shaped Me - A Note From our Instructor
- Oct 23, 2017 Instruction vs. Games
- Oct 12, 2017 Tracking Riders' Progress
- Sep 12, 2017 Group vs. Individual Therapeutic Riding Lessons
- Aug 29, 2017 The Difference Between Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy
- Aug 24, 2017 Is Therapeutic Riding the Right Fit?
- Aug 17, 2017 The Science Behind Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies
- Aug 9, 2017 What Makes the Horse Such a Powerful Tool?
- Jul 24, 2017 What Do Therapeutic Riding Lessons Look Like?
-
Volunteer
- Jul 31, 2017 How Can You Make an Impact?