What is Equine-assisted Services ?

---

Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted service to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with special needs.

Throughout the world, hundreds of thousands of individuals with and without special needs experience the rewarding benefits of equine-assisted services (EAS). A physical, cognitive, or emotional special need does not limit a person from interacting with horses. Such interactions can prove highly rewarding. For instance, experiencing the rhythmic motion of a horse can be very beneficial. Riding a horse moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, so riders with physical needs often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength.  

Whether it's a five-year-old with Down syndrome, a 45-year-old recovering from a spinal cord injury, a senior citizen recovering from a stroke, or a teenager struggling with depression, research shows that individuals of all ages who participate in EAS can experience physical and emotional rewards. For individuals with emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, and self-esteem. Working with horses provides a powerful new paradigm for teams in the corporate workplace and any individual seeking better leadership, team building, or communication skills.  

Source: PATH International

Why Divine Equine?

  - We start the lesson with grooming, where students can connect with their horse and feel responsible for caring for another being.    

- We set goals and carefully plan lessons around those goals, such as posture, strength, and flexibility improvement.   

 - We also take the student as they are in the moment and will do groundwork or riding, according to their needs.    

-Riders learn balance, which helps with coordination and self-assurance while their core gets a great workout.    

-Students have a sense of accomplishment as new levels of expertise and new goals are met, such as riding independently.  

-Students get a consistent team who knows your name and is excited to see you each week. The instructors work with every student so that the routine of being greeted by familiar faces is part of the experience. We are very intentional about being a physically and psychologically safe space for whoever comes. There can be a stigma or social sacrifices for some of our students in the world but at Divine Equine, come as you are.     

We celebrate and honor each individual and deeply appreciate their caretakers and loved ones. Divine Equine is a PATH member center that sets a high bar of excellence in caring for the horses and students. As the premier professional membership organization, PATH Intl. is an international voice of the equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) industry.   501(c)(3) #83-2748704