McKenna Farms is well known in our community. For 23 years, the clinic has been serving children and teens with developmental therapies such as physical, speech, occupational, and hippotherapy. But did you know you can still ride horses as an adult through their Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship program?
What is therapeutic riding?
Therapeutic riding is much more than a recreational horse ride. Yes, you do ride horses, but each rider has specific therapeutic goals which they work to achieve during the riding sessions.
In addition to riding, a session will involve grooming, tacking, and other horsemanship skills. Riders will follow multiple steps to take care of the horse that takes care of them.
There is a difference between hippotherapy and therapeutic riding other than the name. Hippotherapy is conducted by licensed professionals such as physical, speech or occupational therapists and is considered a clinical therapy. Therapeutic riding is conducted by credentialed professionals. All McKenna riding instructors are certified through PATH International.
Benefits of Therapeutic riding
Physical
Being on a horse physically uses different muscles than sitting in a chair or doing a workout class. Riders often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength as well as body awareness and processing spatial relationships.
Emotional
Learning how to communicate with the horse is a uniquely special experience which is a huge benefit to riders. Horses do not use verbal language to communicate. They use body language such as blinking, shaking their tail or skin and lifting their legs. Riders learn to bond and work together with their equine partner promoting trust and empathy skills. Riding has been shown to increase confidence, self-esteem, and self-respect as well.
Social
In addition to the horse, there will always be at least other person present during the session. Working through the session, requires communication between the instructor and rider in multi-level steps. Plus it is just a fun, social activity!
Cognitive
The cognitive benefits are numerous. Riders learn cause and effect in working with horses as well as impulse control. While the sessions may look simple from a distance, they are actually multi-step processes starting with reading the board to determine which horse they will be riding and concluding with putting away the tack after a ride.
Riders will learn about the prey vs. predator mentality and how it affects a horse's behavior. Independence is gained as the rider learns how to handle a horse on their own.
'Safety, learning, and recreation' is Katherine Huff's (Director of Equine Programs ) motto for the program. Katherine, along with Steven Dennis, Stephanie Hutcherson, Jessica Duffey, and Gabriella Hartz are the current PATH riding instructors. The program is growing and there are plans for an additional instructor by the end of the summer.
If you are interested in the Therapeutic Riding program, contact Katherine Huff directly at khuff@mckennafarms.org or call (770) 443-9672 and ask for her extension.
The barn is open M-F, 8am-6pm, and every other Saturday. Time slots during the school day are currently open.
Clients are offered weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Some clients even come twice weekly which is best for reaching goals.
Cost $75 for a private 60 minute session, $60 for a semi-private (2 or more riders) 60 minute session.
Therapeutic Riding is not covered by insurance, but other options like Acumen or Family Support funds could be utilized.
A SureHands lift is available to assist those who are in wheel chairs or cannot get a leg on the horse.
Community Horse Show
If you want to see the program in action, please come on out to the Community Horse Show on April 20th from 9am - 12:30pm. You can watch approximately 36 riders ages 5 to 40 demonstrate their skills. Admission is free for spectators.
Two different types of classes are available. There will be an obstacle course with both walk and walk/trot options which will feature leading cones, a bridge as well as a halt box. There will also be a Equitation class where riders can walk and/or trot in a specific pattern. District 1 County Commissioner and accomplished equestrian Keli Gambrill will be one of the judges. Awards will be given the first 3 places in each category. You are welcome to bring a lawn chair to set up on the hill above the riding ring.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteerism is a big part of the McKenna Farms organization. It is a great way to get involved, meet others and spend some time with horses. You are able to volunteer on your schedule.
Types of Volunteer Jobs include
Volunteers who work with the horses will receive training. Caregivers need to remain with volunteers with disabilities during their shift. Background checks are required.
Check out the Ginkgo Link calendar for local upcoming events!
