- Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT)
- Equine-Assisted Activities (EAA)
- Equine-Facilitated Learning (EFL)
- ROCK On Veterans
- STAR Program – Instructors in Training
- School Programs (EAL)
- Competition Horse Shows
- Summer Camp (EAL)
- TAMUS Courtney Cares Equine Therapeutic Program
- Research in Partnership with Institutions of Higher Learning
- H.O.P.E. (Horses Offering People Enrichment)
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.
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
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 Monday and Tuesday evening classes to build comradery and expand the ROCK On Veterans community. Learn more about our ROCK On Veterans program here.
STAR Program – Instructors in Training
ROCK’s STAR (Student Teachers Aspiring to be Registered) program is a 20-week intensive learning program that offers instruction and hands-on experience to prepare participants interested in pursuing certification through PATH Intl. as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor. To request more information email Shannon@rockride.org.
School Programs (EAL)
Through partnerships with local school districts, ROCK is able to create connections with the horse and facilitate learning between diverse student populations through equine-assisted learning (EAL) programming.
Competition Horse Shows
ROCK students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitions and horse shows throughout the year! Competition opportunities include Regional and State Special Olympics and the Star of Texas Gold Stirrup Horse Show and other local competitions.
Summer Camp (EAL)
This year, ROCK will be holding summer camps in the months of July and August. In addition to Camp Courage and Camp True Grit, we’re excited to announce the addition of a new inclusion camp called Camp Bright Side.
Camp Bright Side, July 14-17, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Ages 8-15. Inclusion camp for more independent riders of different abilities to make connections and learn from each other to build a stronger, more inclusive community. ($200/session)
Download Flyer | Participant Application – Applications due by July 1, Medical History/Physician Statement by July 8.
Camp Bright Side, July 21-24, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Ages 8-15. Inclusion camp for more independent riders of different abilities to make connections and learn from each other to build a stronger, more inclusive community. ($200/session)
Download Flyer | Participant Application – Applications due by July 1, Medical History/Physician Statement by July 8.
Camp Courage, July 27-30, 4:00pm-8:00pm, Family Day on July 31 5:00pm-8:00pm
Ages 8-15. Camp Courage is a leadership horsemanship camp specifically designed for the children of all Military Branches of Active Duty Service Members/Veterans or Fallen Service Members/Veterans. A licensed professional counselor will be present to help navigate any emotions and/or behaviors that being in this environment could bring up.
This program is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. The Fund for Veterans’ Assistance provides grants to organizations serving veterans and their families. For more information, visit https://www.TVC.Texas.gov
Download Registration Form | Participant Application
Camp True Grit, August 3-6, 9:00am-2:00pm
Ages 8-15. Community outreach leadership camp funded by Williamson County Juvenile Services.
Camp True Grit, August 10-13, 9:00am-2:00pm
Ages 8-15. Community outreach leadership camp funded by Williamson County Juvenile Services.
Camp True Grit is run in partnership with Williamson County Juvenile Justice. For more info and questions, please contact Daniel Tuiasosopo, MCJ at 512-943-3202 or by email ttuiasosopo@wilco.org.
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.
