What We Do

At Cobblestone Equine Therapy we provide therapeutic riding. Therapeutic riding is an equine assisted therapy which positively impacts the physical, mental, emotional, and overall well-being of Veterans and First Responders. With the direction and supervision of an licensed instructor, Veterans and First Responders will have a unique opportunity to grow in multiple areas including health, education, socially and communicating. The rhythmic movement of the horses can help with calming, muscle strength, and balance.

Therapeutic riding helps the rider grow a bond with the horse and helps them take control of situations they can control as well as let go of situations they cannot control. The lessons flow into their everyday life and enable them to improve mentally, socailly and help development stronger motor skills.

HOW DOES THERAPEUTIC RIDING HELP?

Therapeutic riding helps because it gives the rider a bond with the horse and helps the rider take control of situations they can control as well as let go of situations they cannot control. These lessons flow into their everyday life and enable them to improve social, mental, and motor skills.  The use of therapeutic riding gives a person with a disability the ability to feel the natural movements of a horse’s gait, which is similar to that of humans, and can improve flexibility, balance and muscle strength.

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

  • Improved balance, strength, range of motion

  • Improved coordination/motor skills, faster reflex

  • Improved respiration/circulation

  • Sensory integration

PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS

  • Bi-Lateral movement helps brain heal from trauma

  • Sense of well-being

  • Improved self-confidence

  • Improved risk-management abilities

  • Emotional control, self-discipline

SOCIAL BENEFITS

  • Relationship development

  • Interaction with others, animals, nature

  • Development of respect for others

  • Improved social skills (one-on-one/group)

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

  • Proven to increase remedial reading, math and science skills

  • Greater listening skills and focus

  • Sequencing, patterning, motor planning skills

  • Visual and spatial perception/differentiation

  • Improved eye-hand coordination

EQUINE ASSISTED VETERAN SERVICES

PHASE I-VETERAN HORSEMANSHIP TRAINING / THERAPEUTIC RIDING:

In phase 1, the goals are to reduce anxiety, focus on the here-and-now, create safety through repetitive and predictable sequences, and stabilize rhythmic movement all while on a horse.

PHASE II-EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY:

In this phase, the veteran works with a licensed counselor and horses on relationships and socialization, increased problem-solving, exploring resource building, regaining control, and creating a new identity.

PHASE III-EMDR:

This phase will also be working with a licensed counselor and will take a deeper dive into resolving lingering trauma (address trauma targeted events). It will also help reduce anxiety through resource building and reduce hyper-arousal to help manage life.

PHASE IV-PAY IT FORWARD:

This last phase will establish aftercare maintenance. It reinforces touch, rhythm, and socialization. Veterans will also have the ability to give back to the program by serving their community.

HOW DOES The Equine VETERAN PROGRAM HELP?

Through the sessions the veteran, and family, will gain new perspectives on their current situation, and will be able to better adjust to life after war.

THE TYPES OF DISABILITIES AND CONDITIONS SERVED INCLUDE:

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • TBI

  • Anger Management

  • Anxiety

  • Combat Stress

  • Relationship Problems

  • Substance Abuse

  • Depression

  • Chemical Dependency

  • Readjustment