Programs Available in Summer 2008

Hippotherapy

Mini-camp

Private and Semiprivate thereputic riding

Adult Group thereputic riding

Llama Life Skills

Social Skills Program

Private & Semi Private Therapeutic Riding

Private O.T, P.T. Treatment

2008 HRETC Program Overview

 Type of Services: Humble Ranch Education and Therapy Center (HRETC) provide seasonal programming, and is intended to be an adjunct to an individuals' existing treatment plan. We work with the referring professional to progress existing treatment goals using animals in our unique ranch setting. Our professional staff consists of two physical therapists, two occupational therapists, a special education teacher, and two certified therapeutic riding instructors.

Referrals: Referrals to HRETC are accepted from Therapists (P.T., O.T.), Special Education Teachers and Physicians. If a parent calls to enroll their child directly, we instruct them that they must get a referral from one of the above professionals active in their child's care.

Placement into specific program/Scheduling

Because we are an extension of an existing treatment plan, we request a copy of the clients' current IEP goals with each referral. The deadline for referrals is April 4, 2008.

We review all client referrals in regards to age and goals to be addressed at HRETC. We then place the client in the appropriate program.

Families will be contacted directly by HRETC the week of April 14 th to fina lize the summer schedule.

Reporting - At the end of our summer season, HRETC will provide a written report to the referring professional, with specific activities used and progress made toward established goals.

Program Descriptions:

Hippotherapy - Ages 3 years old and up

Hippotherapy, (H ippo, Greek word for horse ) is a private physical or occupational therapy session using the horse as a therapeutic tool. The movement of the horse influences the client rather than the client controlling the horse. The rhythmical, repetitive, multi-dimensional movements of the horse work to provide a dynamic base of support from which to work on treatment goals associated with:

•  Postural stability - shoulder girdle, core and lower extremity strengthening

•  Postural control/body in space awareness

•  Sensory modulation and regulation of arousal level

A typical therapy session is 45minutes in duration and scheduled one to two times a week.

Mini-camps - Ages 7 - 14 years old.

Mini Camps are scheduled four hours a day for one week. Enrollment is limited to six students. Activities include therapeutic horseback riding, leading and caring for llamas, and a variety of outdoor activities led by our occupational therapist designed to address child's individual therapy goals such as:

•  Improve gross and fine motor skills (balance and coordination)

•  Appropriate social communication with peers & adults

•  Directional concepts/motor planning

•  Basic organization/following multi step directions

Social Skills - Ages 11-13 years old

Social Skills is a new program for 2008 and consists of a total of eight 2 hour sessions. This program is designed specifically for children that have both language and reading skills, and are in need of direct instruction and support with social skills development. The group will consist of 6 students; 4 special needs and 2 peers. Activities will be targeted to improve skills in the following areas:

•  Conversation and non-verbal communication

•  Frustration tolerance

•  Team building and friendship making

Private P.T. & O.T - Ages 3 years old and up

Private therapy is available at HRETC utilizing the natural outdoor environment. Llamas and miniature horses are also available as therapeutic tools as indicated by the primary therapist. Again, the client's existing treatment/IEP goals are uti lize d to plan the individual therapy sessions. Note - this is not hippotherapy; miniature horses or llamas may be used to work on fine motor skills, following directions, sequencing of activities, etc.

Llama Life Skills - Ages 14 - 22 years old

The life skills camp is primarily held off the main ranch compound at our camp site - Camp Nanama . We split this program into two groups: the 14-17 year olds attend the day portion only, and the 18-22 year olds have the option of spending the night at camp Nanama . The focus of this program is:

•  Age appropriate social interaction and team building

•  Basic life-skills in an outdoor wilderness setting (organization, meal planning, cooking)

•  Education and care of llamas

•  Environmental stewardship

Private & Semi-private Therapeutic Riding - Ages 7 years old and up

These sessions are 45-60 min riding lessons with a certified therapeutic riding instructor. The focus is basic handling of the horse on the ground and development of riding skills tailored to the ability of the student.

Adult Group Therapeutic Riding

Small group riding for leisure and development of basic riding skills designed to each riders individual ability.