- 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)
Also known as hippotherapy, 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. The term hippotherapy comes from the Greek work “Hippo” which means horse.
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 Devon@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 Camps (EAL)
ROCK offers summer camps full of fun and learning about the horse during the month of July for children with disabilities, children of veterans and service members, and at-risk youth.
Summer camps are held at ROCK during the month of July each year.
Please click here to check out our Summer Camp Brochure for more information.
Registration begins April 1st.
New Clients must complete the online client application and the summer camp application found in the Summer Camp Brochure link above. Please click here for instructions on filling out the online application.
New client registration fee of $25 is payable with application.
A new client screening is required with a fee of $35 (to be scheduled).
Family Discount – First participant is full price, each additional family member will receive a $25 discount.
CAMPS:
Pony Tails Camp – Ages 4-8
ROCK’s Pony Tails Camp is a fun day camp experience for clients ages 4-8 with developmental disabilities. The camp activities will include riding time along with developmental games, horse care, arts and crafts and group games. Curriculum will include a combination of horsemanship, sensorimotor and social skills activities each day.
Caregivers must remain on site during camp.
Horse Tails Camp – Ages 9-16
ROCK’s Horse Tails Camp is a fun day camp experience for clients ages 9 – 16 with developmental disabilities. The camp activities will include riding time along with developmental games, horse care, arts and crafts and group games. Curriculum will include a combination of horsemanship, sensorimotor and social skills activities each day.
Caregivers must remain on site during camp.
Camp Courage – Sign up now through May 6!
Download the 2018 Camp Courage brochure here.
Camp Courage is a horsemanship camp specifically designed for the children of all Military Branches of Active Duty Service Members and Veterans. The curriculum includes riding skills, horse care instruction, classroom activities and equine facilitated learning. The camp will also focus on building the character traits of: honor, integrity, respect, responsibility, courage, and perseverance. Connecting with horses and community promotes self-discovery in a way that promotes better communication and leadership skills in a way that is unique to each person. This is the 7th year that ROCK has had the honor of offering this camp to our military community.
Camp Courage is limited to 12 children. Please note that due to the high demand for Camp Courage and the limited number of spots available, this year a lottery will be conducted to select participants. Complete registration details can be found on the Camp Courage brochure (click here to download).
Lunch will be provided. This year’s camp is made possible thanks to a generous sponsorship by The Rotary Club of Georgetown.
For more information on this camp or the ROCK On Veterans Therapeutic Horsemanship Program for Service Members and Veterans offered throughout the year at ROCK, call 512-930-7625 x311 or email heidi@rockride.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.
