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Frequently Asked Questions
Text Box: Therapeutic Riding FAQ’s What is therapeutic riding? Therapeutic riding is recreational horseback riding in a group setting under the guidance of a NARHA certified Instructor with assistance from trained volunteers. What is NARHA? NARHA is the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. For more information on NARHA, visit their website at narha.org. What activities are involved in group lessons? Participants in group lessons will learn riding and horsemanship skills as well as play games, work on educational and social skills, and trail ride. How many participants are in each group? Therapeutic riding lessons are taught in groups of two to five riders. SHHRC makes every effort to group participants together by age and ability. How often do participants ride? How long are the lessons? Participants ride once a week. Lessons are 45 minutes, including mounting and dismounting. How many sessions are offered each year? There are six sessions offered each year. There are two sessions each Spring and Fall, and one session each Winter and Summer. How long are the sessions? Each session is five to seven weeks in length. What is the cost of lessons? Lessons are $40.00 per lesson, payable at the start of each session. Are missed lessons made up? Rider absences are not made up. If a rider can not ride for an extended time because of medical reasons, a credit will be applied towards the next session. If SHHRC cancels a lesson for any reason, a credit will be applied towards the next session. Lessons take place rain or shine in our indoor ring. Are therapeutic riding lessons covered by insurance? No, therapeutic riding lessons are not therapy and do not involve a therapist in any way. What is the procedure to ride at SHHRC? Once all required paperwork is received in the office, your name will be placed on the waiting list. Evaluations are held several times a year. Once evaluated, riders will be placed as openings become available. How long is the waiting list? The wait is usually three to nine months. For more information contact: Kathy Brennan, Program Director, extension 203 Hippotherapy FAQ’s What is Hippotherapy? Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational and speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes the movement of the horse. Why use the horse? In Hippotherapy, the patient engages in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging. The therapist is able to modify the horse's movement and carefully grade sensory input creating a foundation which aids in improving neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities. Are there any limitations for participants? There is a list of precautions and contraindications for those participating in any equine assisted program at SHHRC. The list is included on this site and should be read by the attending physician before signing the annual medical form. What therapies are offered at SHHRC? SHHRC offers Occupational therapy, Physical therapy and Speech therapy. How often do participants ride? How long are the sessions? Frequency and durations of session are determined during the initial therapy evaluation. Participants, generally receive hippotherapy one time per week for 30 minutes. Is Hippotherapy conducted year-round? The Hippotherapy program at SHHRC operates approximately 42 weeks of the year. SHHRC is closed the remaining 10 weeks throughout the year. What is the cost of Hippotherapy? The cost of the initial evaluation is approximately $125, but may vary with the therapy provided and the time required to complete the evaluation. Therapy sessions range from $75.00 to $100.00 depending on which therapy is provided. Will my child learn riding skills? No, riding skills are not taught during Hippotherapy. What is AHA? AHA is the American Hippotherapy Association. For more information on AHA, visit their website at americanhippotherapyassociation.org. Are missed therapy sessionss made up? Hippotherapy takes place rain or shine in our indoor ring. Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center is now offering limited “make-up” sessions for missed hippotherapy sessions. Make-up spots are limited by time slot availability, staff schedules, an appropriate horse and volunteer availability. Is Hippotherapy covered by insurance? Some insurance companies do cover outpatient occupation, physical or speech therapy. Families should call their insurance company to ask if they cover outpatient therapy and if there are any exclusions. Please discuss this further with the Therapy Coordinator. What is the procedure to participate in the Hippotherapy program at SHHRC? Once all required paperwork is received in the office, your name will be placed on the waiting list. Screening are held several times a year. After attending a screening, an evaluation can be scheduled. Once evaluated, clients will be placed as openings become available. How long is the waiting list? The wait is usually three to twelve months. For more information contact: Gina Taylor, OT Therapy Coordinator
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