Why Horses?
And 
What is Therapeutic Horsemanship?

According to PACTH's webpage:  

"In recent years, the benefits of therapeutic riding have gained worldwide recognition. 

Physical Benefits: The rhythmical, repeatable, 3-dimensional and symmetrical movement of the horse provide numerous physical benefits.

In addition, the presence of the horse provides Emotional and Cognitive Benefits, such as:  

  • The ability to be mobile
  • Ability to bond and partner with the non-judgmental horse
  • Improved self-image 
  • Ability to organize thoughts and body movements 
  • Increased attention span 
  • Increased motivation
  • Increased self-confidence "
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PATH Int'l.
You may have heard of PACTH's more popular "big brother" in the industry -- PATH International.  This is the "Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International," and they helped to launch the popularity of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT).  PA has it's own local accrediting organization (PACTH - see below) that works with PATH Int'l (I am a member of both professional organizations).  PACTH also attends and coordinates PATH Int'l workshops and continuing education programs for certified therapeutic horsemanship instructors.

News:
I will be attending the upcoming Region 2 Spring 2019 "State Education Meeting" (at GAIT Therapeutic Riding Center).
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Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship
(PACTH)
 - We (I, along with a long-time volunteer!) have registered for membership to the Council for Education and Certification in Therapeutic Horsemanship (CECTH). 
 - We attended the May 2018 CECTH Phase I, PA Qualified Instructor Training!  
  • (Note: After our VERY EXPENSIVE April, *WE* could really use a sponsor / scholarships for this course...) 
   - In our training, we went to HORSEPOWER Farm and got to experience a real, working therapeutic horsemanship center, see their adaptive tack, and participate in other hands-on training.  It was great to meet with Pam and have such experienced trainers (Stephanie and Pam)!

 - We now have the skills and knowledge required to begin earning teaching hours towards our accreditation... 

 - In order to earn CECTH Qualified Instructor Certification, we need to accrue 100 hours (each) of teaching therapeutic riding to individuals with physical and mental challenges.

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 ~~ OUR FLEDGLING PROGRAM... ~~
 - Our program will be geared towards ADULTS with trauma-based diagnoses. 
  • Some of the diagnoses we may be able to help with may include (but are not limited to):  PTSD, trauma, women's trauma, traumatic brain injury, military traumas, MS, and certain other diagnoses that we, as a non-medical facility, feel equipped to assist with.
  • Limited and/or Weekend Hours Only (for now...): While we earn our certification and build up our program, we can only offer therapeutic horsemanship sessions Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (and some Federal holidays).

 - Please see our LIMITED TIME OFFER of FREE THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP LESSONS while we earn our accreditation hours  (up to 8 hours of FREE LESSONS per person, limitations and exclusions may apply)! 
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STARTING in 2019: We will be seeing TRAINING CLIENTS!
  ~~ LIMITED TIME ~ FREE LESSON OFFER!  ~~

**** ON HOLD Due to Covid-19 ****

We do not yet have our PA Qualified Instructor Certification -- but we need help to EARN 100 HOURS of teaching hours towards our certifications! 

  So -- what does that mean for YOU?

      -- If you are suffering from PTSD, trauma, or other ailments, we would like to consider offering FREE THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP Sessions (up to 8 hours per person), in exchange for helping us earn our qualified instructor certification! 

    - Note: Limitations apply, as we are not mental health professionals...  
So we would need to meet and discuss your needs before agreeing to take on any potential clients. 

 To Qualify for Horse Therapy, we need: 
REQUIRED for All Equine Recovery Services, and CECTH/Free Hours:
  • A physician's certified diagnosis of a suitable condition (i.e. PTSD, trauma, traumatic brain injury, MS, and a few other conditions) we feel we are well-equipped to help you with; 
  • A physician's referral and/or approval for therapeutic equine activities, and stating that this activity may help your condition;
  • Note: Not all conditions are suited to mounted equine activities, and some may require strictly groundwork.
Required For Ups & Downs Acres to Help You:
  • A signed waiver, emergency contact form, and other required paperwork for Ups & Downs Acres Farm; 
  • An optimistic attitude that, together with your health practitioner and our team, that we can help you on a path to a better life... 

    • Please note:  For the safety of our horses, weight limitations do apply.
    Please Contact Us with interest in participation.
    We will then get some information from you to determine if you may be a suitable candidate for our Therapeutic Horsemanship program. 
    • We will have you fill out an intake form:  You should use this form in conjunction with your doctor's office recommendations to determine if you are a good candidate for equine-activities as part of your recovery program. 
    • When we meet for an initial consultation, please bring with you the physician's diagnosis and clearance for equine-assisted therapeutic activities (physician should indicate limitations). 
    • If we determine you are a good candidate for our program, you will be given routine paperwork in order to participate, including filling out an emergency contact form, and completing our liability waiver.  We also require your insurance information (in case of emergency only -- we will *NOT* be able to take medical insurance as payment).  Other pre-therapeutic activities will include a facility tour and you will be informed about the barn's safety rules, expectations, and requirements. 
    • We can then schedule you for your first therapeutic horsemanship session!
    We look forward to working with you! 
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    PATH International
    We have obtained membership in PATH Int'l, and are looking into attending training and conferences to get our therapeutic horsemanship center up and running. 
      - We currently plan to obtain the PA Qualified Instructor Certification, and then to seek reciprocity with PATH International's certification program.
      -  More to come...!