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Horseback
riders grin and grow stronger
Students learn and help each other in collaborative
equine-assisted therapy program
"When I bestride him, I soar, I am a
hawk. He trots the air, the earth sings when he touches it."
- William Shakespeare
 Everyone
from Roy Rogers to Winston Churchill has sung the praises of
riding a horse. A cooperative effort between HFM BOCES’ 12:1:4
program for multiply-disabled students and the Equine Science
Career and Technical Education program gives students the chance
to share in that thrill while accomplishing other important
goals.
“Equine assisted therapy gives our students the opportunity to
improve their strength and endurance—their overall body
tone—while riding a horse,” physical therapist Jean Gustafson
said.
As their aides helped visiting students into the saddle, Ms.
Gustafson explained to the equine science students how to watch
facial expressions and body posture for cues to the rider’s
state of mind about the adventure.
“This is a new experience for our students, so part of the
therapy is to encourage them to work on their communication and
socialization skills,” Gustafson said. “But we also have to
watch their posture and expression closely—to sometimes ‘read
the signs’ that they are ready to stop.”
One student named Brittany sat very still atop her horse. “Say
‘walk,’ Brittany. Use your words,” Ms. Gustafson encouraged.
Once ready, Brittany quietly gave the command, and then grinned
broadly as the horse obeyed and started across the arena.
Catherine, another student in the 12:1:4 program, knew just what
to do. She had the chance to ride the week before, and was
excited and confident about being back on a horse, smiling and
waving to everyone as she circled the arena.
 The
equine-assisted therapy program is a new six-week cooperative
pilot for Special Education’s 12:1:4 multiply disabled program
and Career & Technical Education’s Equine Science program. Each
Wednesday, five-six students travel to the CTC horse stables at
Viscosi Farm with Ms. Gustafson and physical therapist Dale
Hults to take part in “therapeutic rides,” assisted by
seniors in the CTC equine science program.
Equine instructor Robert Boshart says the project provides an
enjoyable “testing” opportunity for his students as well as
therapy for the riders.
“Many of our students would like to work as riding instructors,
and this teaches them the responsibility of helping riders with
limitations,” Boshart said. “Showing our visitors what to do and
watching out for their safety helps reinforce for my students
everything they have been learning in equine science.”
The multiply disabled program helps students ages 5-21 with
multiple disabilities through the services of a
multi-disciplinary team – which includes a special education
teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech and
language therapist and nurse. The team provides highly
individualized instruction to develop language, socialization,
motor and perceptual skills and daily living skills.
Special Education Assistant Director Scott Dellis appreciates
the great opportunities the program has created for all the
students.
"This program is very beneficial for our students with
disabilities, as well as for the seniors in the CTC equine
program, many of whom would like to eventually go into college
programs that offer hippotherapy,” Dellis said.
Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses horses as therapy tools to
assist people with movement dysfunction. Treatment takes place
in a controlled environment with specially trained physical,
occupational and speech therapists. The client’s experience on a
horse is gradually extended to develop the appropriate sensory
response. It is not about developing riding skills, but building
a foundation to improve neurological function and sensory
processing. That foundation can then be expanded to a wide range
of daily activities.
Learn more about HFM BOCES’ Equine Science program
here.
Learn more about special education services available through
HFM BOCES
here.
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