 Therapeutic riding teaches riding and general horsemanship skills such as grooming and leading to individuals with disabilities. The movement of the horse provides dynamic sensory stimulation as well as an opportunity to improve balance and postural control. The horse can serve as a strong motivator for improving communication skills.
Hippotherapy is provided by a licensed therapist in occupational, physical, or speech therapy who has specific training. The goals are therapeutic, and include improving balance, coordination, posture, fine motor control, articulation, communication, and cognitive skills. T.H.E. currently offers Hippotherapy for those individuals who qualify for Speech therapy.
THE enlists the help of volunteers to lead the horse or walk along as spotters. One volunteer had this to say regarding her experience:
| "As a life-long horsewoman and a speech-language pathologist for over 30 years, I was pleased to have the opportunity to volunteer for the Thoughtful House Therapeutic Riding Program for children with developmental disorders. Watching the students make significant gains in their physical abilities and develop confidence in using their bodies is tremendously rewarding. In addition, it is refreshing to see the students having fun while they are actively engaged in learning new skills." |
| - Lynda Miller, Ph.D. |
T.H.E.is located at:
Cornerstone Farms
6734 Spicewood Springs Road
Austin, TX 78759
Directions from Thoughtful House:
Take Bee Caves to 360N. Turn left on Spicewood Springs (2nd left after 2222 bridge). Stables are 1.5miles down on the right-hand side.
We are very grateful to all of the volunteers who have donated their time since we started the program.
To volunteer or to learn more about the program, contact Equestrian program director Penni Bozadzis, M.A., CCC-SLP at (512)784-8255.
Download Application
TH Equestrian Program story in the Westlake Picayune
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