The program uses miniature horses and involves very little or no riding. The groups are small so that everyone gets the time and attention they need to make this program successful. Kids groom the horses, perform tasks and exercise, run obstacle courses, and communicate with the animals. The program will teach the children to value their independence, to be a better listener, the value of patience, teamwork, honesty, and most importantly trust.
Equine therapy addresses and enhances a variety of mental health and human development needs including:
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
- Assertiveness
- Creative thinking,
- Problem solving
- Conflict resolution
- Leadership
- Responsibility
- Accountability
- Teamwork
- Decision making
- Respect for others
- Relationships
- Confidence
- Improvement in over all attitude
- Northwest School Division provides funding for: transportation and costs of therapy sessions for intense needs students.
- School staff must send the request for services providing parental/guardian permission to the Superintendent of Student Services for approval.
