Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy
Cause Area
- Animals
- Children & Youth
- People with Disabilities
- Sports & Recreation
Location
1800 Art School RoadChester Springs, PA 19425 United StatesWebsite:
http://www.hope-springs.org
Organization Information
Mission Statement
The mission of Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy is to enhance the quality of life of children and adults with cognitive, physical, emotional or behavioral disabilities by providing them with affordable therapeutic horseback riding and education of the highest possible quality, in a warm, safe and familiar environment.
Description
Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1997 with the intent of providing therapeutic horseback riding (also known as "equine-facilitated therapy") .
We at Hope Springs are dedicated to making life for those facing challenges a little easier. On horseback, our riders learn that they are perhaps not as limited by their disabilities as they once thought.
Hope Springs is unique among therapeutic riding centers in that it places special emphasis on family involvement. The setting is warm and familiar and provides a safe haven for those families struggling to achieve normalcy. Parents are encouraged to watch lessons and in many cases, they walk beside the horse to observe their child's progress more closely.
Another special aspect of the program is its small size. Our team has an opportunity to work one-on-one with riders, parents and their therapists in a way that is not possible in larger programs. We are able to forge close personal bonds with the riders and their families to facilitate communication about the needs of each individual. Lesson plans for each rider are specifically tailored and include exercises designed to relax tight muscles and develop strength and endurance in weakened areas.