Donate
Tour ROCK

ROCK

Equine-Assisted Services in Georgetown, Texas

Programs

ROCK Equine-Assisted Therapy Programs


Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT)

Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) is a physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes the dynamic movement of the horse to achieve therapy goals.  This type of treatment is effective because the gentle, rhythmic movement of the horse simulates human walking. Currently, ROCK offers physical and speech-language therapy incorporating equine movement.

Who Benefits?

Individuals with:

  • Amputation
  • Brain Injury
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Muscular Weakness
  • Speech / Language impairment
  • Spinal Cord injury / impairment
  • Stroke
  • Visual impairment

What are the Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy?

  • Improved muscle strength
  • Increased flexibility
  • Increased fine motor skills
  • Improved communication
  • Awareness of one’s body in space (proprioception)
  • Improved range of motion

Equine Assisted Activities (EAA)

Also known as Therapeutic Horsemanship, EAA is designed to teach horsemanship and riding skills to individuals with special needs, with the goal of increasing functional life skills. Lessons are taught by PATH International certified therapeutic riding instructors.

Who Benefits?

Individuals who may have:

  • Autism
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Developmental Delay
  • Downs Syndrome
  • Hearing and Vision Impairment
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Stroke

What Are the Benefits of Equine Assisted Activities?

  • Improvement in cognitive skills
  • Improvement in social skills
  • Improvement in behavioral skills
  • Increased emotional well-being
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Increased balance, motor control, and coordination

Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL)

EFL is an educational approach that incorporates equine facilitated activities using the experience of equine/human interaction in an environment of learning and self discovery.

ROCK On Veterans (ROV)

ROCK On Veterans offers co-ed and women only programs for veterans and active duty service members, as well as programs for veteran families, partnering participants with horses and veteran volunteers. Meals are served during the Tuesday and Friday evening classes to build comradery and expand the ROCK On Veterans community. Learn more about our ROCK On Veterans program here.

CTRI Mentorship

ROCK offers a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) mentorship opportunity. Please contact Joan Cutler for more information.

School Programs (EAL)

At times, ROCK collaborates with nearby school districts, fostering connections with horses to promote learning among a range of students through equine-assisted learning (EAL).

ROCK On Competitions (ROC)

ROCK On Competitions

At ROCK, our students have the chance to participate in a variety of competitions and horse shows throughout the year, including the Area and State Equestrian Competition for Special Olympics, Rodeo Austin Gold Stirrup Horse Show, Chisholm Challenge, Top Hands , and Born to Be Virtual Horse Show. These competitions provide a valuable platform for our participants to showcase their hard work, build confidence, and celebrate their achievements.

Competing fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie, allowing participants to form lasting friendships with others who share similar experiences. The supportive environment encourages personal growth, resilience, and sportsmanship, helping students overcome challenges both in and out of the arena. By participating in these events, our riders not only develop their equestrian skills but also gain a sense of pride and accomplishment that enriches their lives. Through competition, we highlight the unique strengths of each individual, empowering them to shine and inspire others.

Summer Camp (EAL)

ROCK offers summer camps during the month of June. Click here to learn more about Summer Camps.

TAMUS Courtney Cares Equine Therapeutic Program

In 2012, ROCK began partnering with Texas A&M University System to provide the staff, knowledge, and expertise in equine-assisted activities and therapies for this program in College Station, Texas. Learn more at CourtneyCares.org.

Research in Partnership with Institutions of Higher Learning

ROCK is fulfilling our vision to be the trusted leader in equine-assisted activities through service, research, and higher learning by collaborating with universities to conduct research to document the effectiveness of equine-assisted activities and therapies. Click here to view our published research.

H.O.P.E. (Horses Offering People Enrichment)

ROCK provides educational and intern support to this non-profit EAAT program serving children with special needs in Beijing, China founded by Dr. Priscilla Lightsey. Learn more at hopebeijing.org or contact priscilla@rockride.org.