Therapeutic Riding:

LAHA is a therapeutic horseback riding program in Tennessee where minds are healed through the intervention of equine companions. This course has been developed over 12 years and has been used as part of the healing for over 1000 emotionally disturbed children.

Children suffering from any of the following problems have shown progress after completing the therapeutic riding:

 

*Autism *Depression *ADD /ADHD *Bipolar Disorder *Attachment Issues *Tourette Syndrome *Sexual Misconduct *Asperger Syndrome *Self Esteem Problems *Conduct Disorders (OCD) *Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) *Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) *Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

 

 

Every course is tailored to the individual needs of each child and will provide:

*increased self esteem *enhanced body awareness *better balance *longer attention span *improved listening skills *fine tuned compliance *growth in self control *improved academic ability *enhanced sensory integration *joyful memories *fun.

Hippotherapy, a Greek term, literally translates as “treatment with the help of a horse.”  Because a horse has a natural, rhythmic progressive gait, a swinging motion, which then transfers from horse to rider, horse-back riding provides a combination of sensory and neurological input that can be used to treat a broad range of disabilities. Hippotherapy is the basis for therapeutic riding in which students learn balance and coordination through a therapy that supports the whole body.  The horses used in our program are screened for their soundness and temperament.  Volunteers are required to complete training before working with our students.  Parents are encouraged to observe riding sessions and make constructive suggestions on how we may better serve our students.  Siblings are welcome at our program, but must be supervised by a parent or guardian.  They may watch the riding session, but we ask that children do not run, yell or cause distractions while sessions are being held.  LAHA requires that a parent/guardian remain on the premises at all times while their child rides.