Nickers 'N Neighs Therapeutic Riding Center is a non-profit entity that uses equine activities to promote the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well being of people with disabilities.
What is therapeutic riding? Our students are participating in a sport that allows them to exercise their bodies and their minds. Many of the successes they experience in their riding and horsemanship activities directly impact other areas of their lives. Therapeutic riding encompasses therapy, education, sport, and recreation/leisure. Our riders show progression in all of these areas, and these areas are reflected in riders' individualized goals. Because of the rhythmical, repeatable, three-dimensional, and symmetrical movement of the horse, the riders' physical needs in flexibility, balance and muscle strength are always addressed. Additionally for individuals with emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed while working with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-estem. A 2008 study sponsored by the Horses and Humans Research Foundation involving children with autism found that the children who participated in a therapeutic horseback-riding program improved in sensory integration and directed attention as compared to the control group.
Why choose Nickers 'N Neighs? We see noticeable improvements in our students; improved core stability, increased eye contact, higher levels of communication, and improved overall behavior are just a few of the regular successes that we observe. Some students are noticibly calmer and seem to be more grounded. Parents report increased motivation in their children due to their involvement in an activity that is enjoyable for them. Every new student comes to our center for an initial orientation and evaluation before . During this session our instructors set goals with the student and caregivers. Our instructors evaluate the student's gross motor, fine motor, and cognitive abilities, and from these observations develop goals to address the student's physical, cognitive, emotional, and personal needs. Every lesson is preplanned with lesson plans written by our dually certified PACTH PQI and PATH, Intl. registered therapeutic riding instructors. With these lesson plans, we are able to track the progression of our students. We are equipped to work with individuals with a wide range of disabilities. These disabilities include, but are not limited to wounded veterans, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy,down syndrome, spina bifida, pervasive developmental delay, autism, non-verbal disorders, visual and hearing impairment, developmental and learning disabilities, previously abused individuals, and at-risk youth.
For individuals interested in beginning lessons with us please print this form, complete it including the physician's statement and call us at (724) 593-8121 to schedule an orientation.