Rhythms of Grace

Rhythms of Grace is recognized as an accredited member center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int'l). It is one of seven PATH Int'l centers in the State of Iowa. The Founder is one of 41 PATH Int'l credentialed Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors in the State of Iowa. Adhering to the PATH Int'l industry Standards for safety, facility, programming, policies and procedures is a priority for all aspects of the organization's program services. Equine Assisted Services: Equine Assisted Services is an umbrella term encompassing Therapeutic Horsemanship, Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Assisted Therapy, programs which are medically recognized forms of therapeutic intervention for a number of disabilities. In 2023, Rhythms of Grace partnered with 12 horses to offer 32 weeks of programming through more than 745 client hours. Clients served represent individuals with more than 20 primary diagnoses in aggregate. Volunteers provided more than 8,160 hours of time serving.

Therapeutic Horsemanship: Therapeutic Horsemanship is offered to adults and children age 4 and older. A large variety of diagnoses are positively impacted by the therapeutic benefits of horsemanship or adaptive riding. Autism, ADHD, Bipolar, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Cerebral Palsy, speech development are all impacted. We teach riding skills. We focus on Physical, Social, Emotional, Fitness, Balance, Coordination, Posture, Calming, Self-Confidence, Sequencing, Empathy, Leadership, etc. Therapeutic riding and therapy is great rehab for persons suffering from a stroke. MS, ALS and Parkinson's can be slowed by therapeutic riding. Speech can be regained after trauma. Individuals on the autism spectrum benefit from the flow of oxytocin in the brain and serotonin which help to increase socialization skills. There are 110 movements per minute at the walk, which helps with balance coordination and strength. Balance is triggered in the inner ear; speech is triggered by riding.

Equine Assisted Therapy: Equine Assisted Therapy includes physical therapy utilizing the movement of horses for adults and children as young as age 2. A licensed physical therapist partnered with Rhythms of Grace to offer physical therapy services for a variety of diagnoses including chronic autoimmune disorders, splastic diplegia, cerebral palsy, dwarfism, spinal cord injuries and injury recovery.