Programs

• 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. 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

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 Program is currently interviewing for Instructors-in-Training. The STAR Program is a 2-part course to prepare individuals to take the PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) exam so that they may join the industry offering safe, quality therapeutic riding sessions to individuals who have disabilities. This course runs June through December, and the price for the course is $2000. (If you are interested in the summer classroom segment only, please let us know. It will be offered for a lesser fee). At the end of the STAR Program, the student instructors should have the requirements needed to take the online PATH Intl. CTRI examination.

Since we are only able to take 2 student instructors at a time, interested candidates must: 

• Be at least 18 years of age 
• Provide 2 letters of reference, preferably from PATH Intl. Professionals or professionals in the equine industry 
• Complete a face-to-face interview with our STAR Instructor and Safety and Education Director and demonstrate their riding skills at a walk/trot/canter.  

The 2 student instructors chosen from the interested candidates will be chosen based on: horseback riding skills, equine handling experience, knowledge about equines, experience working with individuals with disabilities, experience teaching riding skills and completion of the above requirements.  

 If you would like to set up an interview and riding demonstration, please contact Shannon at shannon@rockride.org by January 17^th. 

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 June. In addition to Camp Courage, we’re excited to announce the second year of a new inclusion camp called Camp Bright Side.

Camp Bright Side

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. ($300/session)

2022 Camp Bright Side Dates:

• Session 1: June 6th-9th, 9AM-1PM (View flyer | Fill out application)
• Session 2: June 13th-16th, 9AM-1PM (View flyer | Fill out application)

Camp Courage
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.

2022 Camp Courage Dates:

• June 20th-23rd, 8:30AM-1PM; Family Night June 24th, 5-8PM (View flyer | Fill out application)

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

Camp True Grit

Ages 8-15. Camp True Grit is in partnership with Williamson County Juvenile Services. This camp is an inclusion camp for riders of different abilities from ROCK and Williamson County to make connections and learn from each other in order to build a stronger sense of community. The curriculum will include riding skills, horse care instruction, and classroom activities. Camper must have independence on the ground, be able to follow directions, and toilet by themselves. 

2022 True Grit Dates:

• Session 1: June 27th-30th, 9AM-1PM ( Fill out application)

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.