1. Presented by: Kate Vasquez
Equine Therapy
Presented by: Kate Vasquez

2. About Me I grew up in San Antonio, TX Special Education Buddy
Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Special Education and American Sigh Language
Volunteered at a Therapeutic Riding Center
Loved horses growing up
PATH International Certified in Therapeutic Riding, Interactive Vaulting, Equine Specialist

3. Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch Located in Boerne, Texas Founded on May 3, 2012
But we actually started building in November 2010
We serve 50 riders a week
Currently have 14 horses or different types running our program
Lots of rescue horses and animals in our program

4. PATH International https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgocha4vQQM
Our center is a PATH center
PATH Intl. certifies us as professionals
Provides standards and safety
Leading our industry with research and education materials

5. Therapeutic Riding
A Riding program that focuses on teaching riding skills to those with  physical limitations, developmental and social delays.
Must have your PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor certification

7. Interactive Vaulting
A vaulting program that focuses on teaching gymnastic and/or yoga moves  on the back of a moving horse controlled by an instructor
Must have your PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor AND Interactive Vaulting Certification

9. Equine Assisted Learning
A  horsemanship program that focuses on teaching all parts of horsemanship on and off the horse. This program includes grooming, tacking, riding, and horse care.
Must have a PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor AND Equine Specialist Certification

11. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy
A clinical session of psychotherapy with a mental health professional, client and a horse.
Must be a Licensed Mental Health Professional
Must have a PATH International Therapeutic Riding AND Equine Specialist Certification

13. Hippotherapy
A clinical therapy program with a Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist or Physical Therapist where they focus solely on their specialist while using their client is riding.
Must be a licensed health professional and a Certified PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor

15. Benefits of Equine Therapy
Physical
Posture, Balance, Strength, Flexibility
Cognitive
Following Directions, Concentration
Social
Independence, Self Esteem, Confidence
Emotional
Responsibility, Friendships/Relationships

16. What does a typical day look like?
Feeding horses at 6 AM
Getting turnouts ready
Putting horses out
Setting up the arena
Cleaning the barn
Looking over lesson plans
Grooming and tacking horses
Getting riders ready to ride
Teaching
Interacting with volunteers
Cleaning up at the end of the day
Bringing horses in and feeding them dinner
Close up for the night and checking stall doors

17. Why do I love my job?
I get to help those with special needs and work with horses at the same time!
I work outdoors and get to move around all day!
I have made many professional friends and connections through our volunteers!
Most of all we get to see positive changes in our riders on things like talking, walking, or increasing happiness!

18. Roles we play in our community
Reach out to schools in resource fairs
Serve those with special needs
Provide volunteer opportunities for those needing volunteer hours
Rescue horses and rehabilitate them to work in our programs in different ways
Provide a place for special needs families to have birthday parties

19. Fun Facts!
Did you know a horse drinks up to gallons of water and eats 1-2% of its body weight in feed each day?
Our horses have a daily schedule!
It can take around volunteers just to hold 1 therapeutic riding class?
Our horses get their feet trimmed or new shoes every 6 weeks!

20. Answering your Questions
Can all horses be helpful in equine therapy?
Not all horses
What are negatives to using horses for therapy?
Expensive, just like us and can have bad days, lots of continuous training
Are horses being used with students that have autism?
Yes! In our program 40% of the individuals we serve are on the Autism Spectrum

21. Questions continued… How do horses help people in therapy?
Provide movement
Did you know the movement of a horse mimics how your body moves when it is walking?
Provide encouragement
Riding horses is fun and motivating and out of the box compared to sitting in a doctors office for therapy
Builds strength and confidence
Increases coordination, fine motor skills, listening skills and independence along with many other things

22. Any other questions for me?

23. Summary Video

24. Resources http://www.pathintl.org