The "aBC's" of G.A.I.T.
We use many acronyms at G.A.I.T., Inc., G.A.I.T. itself being one of them! But this year, 2010, our 15th year of operation, the Board of Directors is making some changes. One of them is to change the name of G.A.I.T., Inc which stands for Genuine Alternative in Therapy to simply, GAIT TRC which will stand alone. While the organization is a different approach to therapies, it is more accurate to call it what it is; a therapeutic riding center (TRC).
We have developed 6 distinctly different programs at GAIT TRC, each with their own initials: Therapeutic Riding (TR), Hippotherapy (HPOT), Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL), Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP), Vocational Training (VT), and Volunteer Opportunities (VO).
- TR is the main focus of G.A.I.T. and the reason we exist. TR is done in a group setting with 3-6 riders in one class. There are 7 classes in one session and there are 6 sessions scheduled throughout the year. TR is conducted by a NARHA-Certified Instructor.
- HPOT is an individualized program for very young or very involved participants. HPOT is scheduled in 4 week increments according to the schedule of the state-licensed therapist. The therapist conducts the program with the aid of a NARHA-certified instructor. At G.A.I.T, we employ either a physical therapist, occupational therapist or a speech/language pathologist. Typically, specialized equipment is used by the therapist (such as the "peanut") while the horse provides the movement, to provide movement, motivation, and sensory stimulation for the participant. The NARHA-Certified instructor provides the appropriate horse with the appropriate movement and temperament. Most HPOT sessions also have one volunteer to help stabilize the participant on the horse.
- EFL is a done in a group setting and is conducted by a NARHA-Certified Instructor. It is an educational program designed for school-based students with special needs. Each session is is scheduled to meet the needs of the school. Horsemanship skills such as grooming, tacking and riding independently are taught, increasing self-confidence.
- EFP is typically a group program and is conducted by a state-licensed mental health professional and assisted by a NARHA-Certified Instructor. It is an educational approach that includes equine activities incorporating the the experience of equine/human interaction in an environment of learning or self discovery.
- VT began within the last five years and is designed to help our riders transition into the working world. NARHA-certified instructors coordinate with public school and university educators to develop physically involved, educational and meaningful activities to promote independence in the work force. Typically scheduled during the summer in 4 week increments.
- VO — of which there are many and varied — at G.A.I.T., adds an intergenerational flavor to all the classes held. Volunteer trainings are held once a month, usually on the first Saturday of every month from 12:30 - 2:30pm. Additionally, G.A.I.T.'s "Level Program" encourages each volunteer to learn more advanced horsemanship skills with additional volunteer trainings held the 2nd or 3rd Saturday of every month. All are trained to work effectively with people with special needs as well as with horses.
TR, EFL, VO and VT are condected by a NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor. HPOT and EFP are conducted by a licensed health professional and assisted by a NARHA certified instructor who has training in those two fields.
All the programs of course, directly involve the horse, whether riding, grooming, caring for or observing, the horse is the unique entity that makes all the difference.
And there are no initials, acronyms or abbreviations for the horse... it is, what it is, or as Popeye would say: "I yam what I yam, and that's all that I am."
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