Stajduhar Stables

Organization Description: 

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

Phone: 
469-867-8888
Organizational Email: 
volunteer@stajduharstables.org
Location: 
816 West L.D. Lockett Rd.
Colleyville, TX 76034
Map: 
Mission Statement: 

Stajduhar Stables is a for profit program dedicated to:

* Cost effective, quality, equine assisted Christian healthcare for children and adults with physical, mental, emotional, and learning disabilities
* Participating in research opportunities to validate the effectiveness of equine assisted therapy
* Providing volunteer opportunities for the members of the surrounding community, which allow positive intergenerational interaction between volunteers and the clients.

Organizational Statement of Faith: 

To be the rehabilitation service of choice for the population we serve, and in all things to exemplify the spirit of Christian compassion and love.

To partner with our physicians, payers, parents, and other community resources to ensure a truly interdisciplinary team approach to patient care.

To mutually challenge and encourage each other and ourselves toward innovation, creativity, accountability, continuing education, professional growth, flexibility, expertise, and leadership.

To actively and continually identify opportunities for quality improvement and assist in implementation of plans to improve quality.

To continually identify ways to save costs and conserve resources while maintaining or improving quality.

Do You Require Formal Orientation Training for Volunteers?: 
Yes
Are more than one-third of the participants in your organization/programs low income (below 150% of the poverty level)?: 
No
Primary Types of Volunteer Opportunities: 
City/Metropolitan Area: 
State/Province: 
Country: 
Organization Membership Type: