New Horizon Ranch

Therapeutic riding is supervised by a path certified riding instructor and focuses on horsemanship and riding. Riders of varying abilities are able to achieve appropriate levels of independence in horsemanship and riding skills. The horse provides physical, mental and emotional stimulation that encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in recreation. The instructor provides opportunities for personal enrichment in areas such as social skills, communication, decision making, sequencing, responsibility, self-confidence, balance and strength. Cognitive improvements are encouraged as riders are asked to follow directions, cue their horse, play games, and learn basic horsemanship.

Summer day camp is short-term integrated experience designed to provide campers with special needs and campers with typical needs the chance to bond with one another over their common love for horses. There are several different themed and ability options to meet the capabilities and interestes of the different campers. In addition to learning basic horsemanship and riding skills, campers are encouraged to explore problem solving, communication, leadership skills and how to better relate to others (including those with different abilities) while developing positive perception of self and others.

Equine assisted psychotherapy - this client driven, mental health program is co-facilitated by an equine specialist (trained through the equine assisted growth and learning assocation) and a licensed mental health professional. Experiential learning and interations with horses encourage trust, respect, leadership, partnership, communication and confidence. The experiential nature allows the client to open up on his/her own time frame to handle any mental health problems, concerns or issues he/she might face. This is very effective with a variety of issues including communication, interpersonal relationship skills, coping skills, anger management, substance abuse, eating disorders and many others. Sessions are designed to address each partcipant's needs and goals are established collaboratively by the client and treatment team.

Mini lessons with minis - this student-centered, non-riding, mobile program allows nhr to partner with local educators to create an engaging experiential program where the miniature horses visit the school to help students with specific academic or character skills, based on suggestions from the school staff. We believe that the opportunity to interact with the miniature horses while reinforcing an educational component will not only be fun and motivational but the kinesthetic learning approach will enable children to retain more information.