Just the F.A.Q.s

Q. What is the mission of Humble Ranch Education & Therapy Center Program?
A . The mission of the HRETC is to provide therapeutic and educational opportunities in the heart of a 1,800 acre working ranch for individuals with varied abilities.

Q. What is Equine Assisted Therapy?

A. Equine Assisted Therapy is a general term for the utilization of the horse to achieve specific therapeutic goals . Here at the Humble Ranch Education and Therapy Center we have two tracks to our equine assisted therapy program: therapeutic riding and hippotherapy.

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding uses equine oriented activities to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical and emotional well being of individuals with special needs. At the Humble Ranch Education and Therapy Center, therapeutic riding is typically offered in a small group of three students and always taught by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. The students learn basic equine skills both on the ground and mounted. Each class is individualized to the ability level of the students. Therapeutic riding can provide benefits in the areas of therapy, education, and recreation leisure.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy literally means "treatment with the help of the horse" from the Greek word hippos. In hippotherapy, the horse influences the client rather than the client controlling the horse. The client is positioned on the horse and actively responds to the movement. Specially trained licensed physical and occupational therapists direct the movement of the horse, analyze the client's responses, and adjust the treatment accordingly. This strategy is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve functional outcomes for the client. For additional information, we suggest www.americanhippotherapyasscociation.org

Q. What qualifies this program to provide equine therapy services ?

A. Our Program is accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), and we are a Premiere Accredited Center for both Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy. The accreditation process in 2004 required that a team of evaluators visit the Humble Ranch to inspect the premises and observe therapy sessions. In addition, our policy and procedure manual was reviewed in detail to ensure our compliance to all NARHA standards for safety and quality of programming. All of our instructors are NARHA certified.

Q. Who does Humble Ranch serve?

A. We serve a wide age range of clients from 3-60 years old. Our clients have a variety of physical and/or cognitive challenges. Postural asymmetry, abnormal tone, decreased mobility, impaired sensory integration and poor postural control are some of the challenges that respond well to equine assisted therapy.

Q . How do I enroll my child or myself?

A. Our clients are typically referred to us by therapist, teachers or physicians. All equine assisted therapy requires a signed release from a physician. If you feel you or your child may benefit from our programs, please feel free to call us and we will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.

Q. Do you use any other animals besides horses in therapy?

A. We have llamas on the property that we use with some of our clients to work on specific therapy goals. While saddling a llama, the student might work on fine motor skills. Motor planning skills and concept development can be achieved while leading a llama through an obstacle course. We are still discovering all of the therapeutic values of working with llamas.

Q. How are the programs funded?

A. We charge a fee for service to our clients; however, this brings in only about 20% of the necessary funding. In September, the Humble Ranch hosts a Trail-a-thon/Barbecue/Silent Auction fundraising event. We receive tax-deductible donations from individuals and businesses within the community, and support from Routt County United Way as a member agency.

Q. Do you utilize volunteers, and exactly what do the volunteers do?

A . Our volunteers are the key to the continued success of our programs. We utilize approximately 60 volunteers each year. Almost all of our volunteers are trained to work directly with the clients, horses and the therapists during therapy sessions. We need volunteers to act as "sidewalkers" as the client rides and we also need volunteers with extensive horse backgrounds to act as "horse handlers." These are both weekly commitments throughout the summer season. We also need volunteers willing to help with our fundraiser event in September and/or are willing to help prepare a few bulk mailings each year. You do not have to have horse experience to volunteer with us.

Q. How can I become a volunteer?

A. All you have to do is call or e-mail us and let us know that you are interested and we will put you on our volunteer mailing list. The best time to come on board as a new volunteer is May so that you can be a part of our volunteer training. However, we continue to recruit volunteers for our programs that run through September. Contact Pat at Humble Ranch if you are interested in joining us!

Q . Do your programs run year round?

A. The season for our programs is June through September each year. We do not offer winter programs at this time.