Equine Expressive Therapy kids

 Equine expressive therapy for Kids

Studies have shown that Equine Assisted Learning and Expressive Equine Therapy can help children increase their communication as horses cannot talk, they help participants with developing better nonverbal communication skills. Horses can react to mood swings and cues, so participants will have a better understanding of how that affects those around them.
 
Horseback riding helps children develop balance, increase muscle tone, improve flexibility, coordination, and core strength. Additionally, the atmosphere and interacting with horses can provide a calming effect that helps to reduce anxiety. Horse movement the rhythmic experience of horse-riding can soothe your child and relieve them of their frustration. Plus, as horses tend to have calmer temperaments and make slower and steadier movements than other therapy animals, they are less likely to move in unpredictable ways that could work your child up.
 When a child, especially one with special needs, bonds with a horse, it is very emotionally rewarding for the kids and their families.  The participant learns to ride horses and learn Horsemanship skills.
Equine Expressive Therapy Equine Assisted Learning increase life skills valuable to the participant success. 
​Equine-assisted therapy can be especially beneficial for children who struggle with:

• Balance and coordination
• Muscle strength
• Sensory processing
• Verbal communication
• Emotional engagement
• Following directions

Therapeutic riding lessons are appropriate for individuals aged Two and over who are able to self-support while seated and are deemed safe to ride by their physician. Once a rider application has been completed, you will complete a short evaluation with our instructors and then placed in an age and ability appropriate weekly class. 
Each class is 45 minutes for the duration of a 20 week session. Due to the generosity of donors, we are able to keep our fees lower than our costs. The fee per lesson is $50 for those who Qualify. Scholarships are available and no rider will be turned away due to inability to pay. Please email [email protected] for questions regarding rider eligibility, the application process, and scholarship qualifications.

Funding available

 Some Missouri Managed Medicaid Health Plans provide coverage for Expressive Therapies for children who qualify.  Children 6 years old to 18, who have complex needs and are diagnosed with autism, major depression, Down Syndrome, drug exposure, or PTSD may be eligible.  Prior authorization is required. The Equine Expressive Therapy covers 1 hour sessions up to 20 a year,
Also we are approved for following counties to pay from SB40 Boards for those in their county, ones who are disabled, therapy for adults and kids not covered, Mississippi, New Madrid, Cape Girardeau, and Pemiscott counties. Prior Authorization required. More to come ask me if you qualify.
Do you live further out of our area and can’t come weekly? Ask me about Equine Expressive Camp and weekend retreats program!
 (Kids sign up for weekend or weeklong camp and able to have their sessions during their time at camp sponsorships available for those who qualify)
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