G.A.I.T. is a NARHA Premier Accredited Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center. We offer a variety of equine activities and programs for all types of developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. We are constantly expanding our programs to accommodate any and all types of disorders and are more than willing to try equine therapy on any ailment. Please contact us for more detailed information on the wide array of programs offered.
Therapeutic Riding (TR)
Therapeutic Riding focuses on riders in a group setting to improve balance, posture, trunk control, sensory processing, communication skills and socialization skills. Basic horseback riding techniques are also taught to control the horse's movement, such as walking or stopping the horse. These classes are conducted by a NARHA Certified Instructor.
Hippotherapy (HPOT)
Hippotherapy is a treatment tool using the multi-dimensional movement of the horse, which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive, to improve strength, balance and coordination of the rider. G.A.I.T.'s NARHA Certified Instructors coordinate with state licensed therapists (Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and/or Speech-Language Pathologist), who are also NARHA Registered to conduct a Hippotherapy session.
In Hippotherapy, the horse's movement influences the rider's responses rather than the rider being taught to control the horse's movement. The therapist analyzes the rider's responses to the horse's movement and adjusts the treatment (the horse's movement) with the goal of having the rider respond in a very specific way.
Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL)
This is a method of teaching positive, effective patterns of social interactions and communications. These sessions are conducted by an equine professional who develops activities using the horse to address emotional and behavioral characteristics of the individual. They are designed to be safe, educational and age-appropriate for the individual to function more happily and self-confidently in their everyday lives. Teens-at-risk — as identified by the school system, youth advocacy programs or other professional organizations — benefit from this type of program.
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)
This is a method of psychotherapy. These sessions are conducted by a state licensed therapist who has training, experience and licensure to diagnose and manage mental illness. The sessions are always assisted by an equine professional trained in equine assisted learning/psychotherapy to ensure that equine activities are safe and educational. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy teams a mental health professional with an experienced horse professional to offer therapeutic and experiential sessions to clients.
Vocational Training (VT)
This program is designed to help high school students with special needs transition from school to the work environment. Sessions are conducted by a NARHA Certified Instructor who has extensive stable work experience. This instructor coordinates with school officials and teachers for the educational portion of this training. Life goals such as functional communication, proper social interactions between males and females, reading and following directions, leisure, recreation with another person or group and self-determination are all addressed in these vocational training sessions.
Volunteer Opportunities (VO)
G.A.I.T. relies heavily on its dedicated volunteers to keep the facility running. This special opportunity provides young and old people alike the chance to help their community be a better place. Some people like working with people with special needs while others like working with the horses.
Volunteer Opportunities are varied and plentiful at G.A.I.T. to people 12 years old and older. All are trained to work effectively and safely with horses and with people with special needs.
