Programs

About our Programs

ROSL is a Premier Accredited Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, member of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA) and member of the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). Our Premier PATH status identifies our facility as one that meets the highest standards and guidelines for the highest quality of care, professional service and safety.

ROSL has grown steadily since its establishment providing therapy and treatment to 120+ individuals in need of EAAT. With the help of 200 plus volunteers, our team of carefully selected therapy horses, and ROSL supporters and staff, ROSL strives to make substantial quality of life improvements for each rider we serve.

Therapy

Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational or speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy provides the student with one-on-one treatment from the therapist. As the client sits on the moving horse, automatic balance reactions occur in response to the horse’s movements along with constant sensory input. The combination of movements serves to facilitate postural and motor control reactions in clients with severe or multiple disabilities. The therapist works with each client to evaluate and modify the client’s response to achieve functional goals.

Adaptive Riding

Students are encouraged to perform activities directed toward functional goals: stretches, muscle strengthening, problem solving, communication, social and sensory integration. These sessions incorporate horsemanship skills and a wide variety of games and activities. Therapeutic riding instructors design lesson plans on the rider’s individual needs with information offered by parents, social workers or teachers.

Sports Riding

Sports riding teaches the student to ride and control the horse to the best of his/her ability. The lesson components may have grooming, tacking, ground handling, and warm-up exercises, as well as instruction in the walk, trot, sitting trot, posting trot, group games and (if independent) the canter or jumps.

Riding Requirements

ROSL uses safety stirrup irons, peacock or Devonshire boots, for all riders. It is suggested that all riders follow these guidelines.
Sports Riders MUST wear appropriate riding attire that includes closed toe shoes with a heel, preferably a riding boot, and long pants that do not bind. ASTMI-SEI approved protected helmets are required for all riders while mounted or driving. Helmets that are not ASTMI-SEI approved for equestrian use must meet the PATH Guidelines for Alternative Helmet Use.

Click here for suggested helmet.