Equine Assisted Services
Adaptive horseback riding and ground programming for individuals with disabilities
What are Equine Assisted Services?
For children and adults of all ages, our equine assisted services inspire change, encourage growth and promote the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of people with special needs by teaching horsemanship skills.
Participants learn horsemanship and riding skills in an environment individually tailored to their specific needs and learning styles. We offer instruction to individuals of all skill levels, from providing someone’s first contact with a horse to advanced independent riders. The goals for those in our Equine Assisted Services program are focused on riding skills whereas those in our Ground Program are focused on leading, grooming and horse care.
What are the benefits of Equine Assisted Services?
Physical
- Improved balance
- Whole-body coordination
- Improved fine and gross motor skills
- Increase in strength and flexibility
- Increased circulation
- More efficient digestion
- Improved posture
- Exercise
Cognitive
- Improved expressiveness in speech and language
- Increased attention span and memory retention
- Increased sensory and spatial awareness
- Sequencing
- Enhanced sense of personal responsibility and integrity
- Increased confidence
- Many riders experience joy in taking care of another creature
Social
- Friendships with horses and volunteers
- Team Work
- Working with, under, and as an authority
- Improved personal interactions – the formation of emotional and social bonds
Who is eligible for Equine Assisted Services?
Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADD/ADHD
Down Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Developmental Delay
Sensory Processing Disorder
Seizure Disorder
Depression
Behavior Disorders
Chromosome Abnormalities
Brain Injuries
Many More...
Focused on the best match.
Unfortunately, not every child will be a good fit for LoveWay services. Safety is our top priority, so all participants are screened for medical contraindications. There is also a weight limit to ensure the safety of our herd.
Ride at LoveWay
In an effort to serve students regardless of where they live or what school they attend, LoveWay also offers a home-based program in which families can enroll in our program outside of the school.
There is often a waitlist for LoveWay services, and admittance isn’t necessarily on a first-come, first-serve basis. LoveWay’s program staff intentionally places students to maximize the benefits received from our classes. Start the enrollment process below!
How to enroll in Equine Assisted Services
A unique aspect to LoveWay’s program is our close partnerships with the surrounding area schools. Over 16 different classrooms (elementary, middle and high schools) bring their life skills, mixed ability or intensive intervention classes out during the day to experience the benefits of our Equine Assisted Services program.
In an effort to serve students regardless of where they live or what school they attend, LoveWay also offers a home-based program in which families can enroll in our program outside of the school.
There is often a waitlist for LoveWay services, but it is not a first-come, first-served system. LoveWay’s program staff intentionally places students in order to maximize the benefits received from Equine Assisted Services. To start the enrollment process, follow the simple steps below!