Stajduhar Stables

Stajduhar Stables provides two programs- hippotherapy and therapeutic riding. Hippotherapy (Hippos- from the Greek work for horse) is a term which refers to the use of the movement of a horse as a tool by trained physical, occupational and speech therapists to address impairment and functional limitations in people with disabilities. The horse is used as a part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. The movement of the horse as it is walking occurs in the same planes of motion that a human?s pelvis moves when he/she is walking. A rider seated astride a horse has that normal movement translated into their pelvis as they ride. Specially trained therapists utilize the motion in order to achieve their therapy goals.

Clients who benefit from hippotherapy usually present with the following impairments:

* Abnormal tone
* Impaired balance
* Abnormal reflexes
* Impaired coordination
* Impaired communication
* Poor postural control
* Decreased mobility
* Sensory-motor dysfunction


Some of the diagnoses seen in hippotherapy are:

* Cerebral palsy
* Down syndrome
* Metabolic disorders
* Chromosomal abnormalities
* Multiple sclerosis
* CVA
* Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
* Sensory-motor dysfunction
* Central Nervous System Disorders


Therapeutic riding uses equine oriented activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people with disabilities. After an assessment by the therapeutic riding staff, the clients are taught to ride based on their skills and learning styles. During the evaluation, the therapists and therapeutic riding instructor confer to assess the client?s needs and check for any contraindications or precautions to riding based on NARHA guidelines. Modifications of tack, involvement of volunteers, and horse selections are based on the client?s special needs. At Stajduhar Stables, the emphasis is on an enjoyable and relaxing experience which provides additional benefits in the areas of socialization, posture, mobility and an overall improved quality of life.

Individuals with the following disabilities commonly participate and benefit from therapeutic riding:

* Muscular dystrophy
* Cerebral palsy
* Visual impairment
* Down Syndrome
* Mental Retardation
* Autism
* Multiple Sclerosis
* Spina Bifida
* Emotional Disabilities
* Brain Injuries
* Spinal Cord injuries
* Amputations
* Learning Disabilities
* Deafness
* CVA


Benefits of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding include:

* Increased arousal and attention
* Balance strategies
* Bilateral integration
* Body awareness, sensory integration
* Circulation
* Increased self esteem
* Dynamic postural stability
* Increased endurance
* Increased expressive and receptive speech
* Midline orientation
* Mobility of the pelvis, spine and hip joints
* Increased strength
* Modification of Muscle tone
* Increased motivation
* Increased Musculoskeletal alignment
* Increased oral motor function
* Increased posture, symmetry and alignment
* Increased respiratory function
* Increased problem solving
* Increased self confidence
* Increased socialization