Wild Rose Therapeutic
Please bear with us! We are under construction so check back daily for updates!! Wounded Warriors
Wild Rose proudly introduces
Wild Rose Therapeutic!
Our mission;
To enhance the lives of those who have unique challenges through equine assisted activities
In October of 2010 Wild Rose Therapeutic proudly began services to our Wounded Warriors. Teaming up with numerous volunteers from our community, Occupational Therapists from Ft. Knox, and the Staff here at Wild Rose, we began to change the lives of more than 30 Soldiers. These brave Men and Women were assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit, here at Fort Knox. Each Soldier participated in approximately Eight, 90 minute therapeutic riding sessions. The improvments made by each and every soldier both physically and psychologically were more than we had ever hoped to accomplish. We are proud and thankful to have been entrusted with the care and friendship of our fellow Soldiers.
It has been a tremendous honor working with our Wounded Warriors and we pray for the continued successes in their rehabilitation! Our Door is always open to you.
What is Therapeutic Horseback Riding?
Therapeutic Horseback Riding is an enjoyable form of therapy utilyzing the horse. It's all about the movement of the horse. The horse's walking gait is very similar to a human's. While a horse is walking, there is anterior/posterior movement (back and forth), lateral/medial movement (side to side), and an up and down movement. Therefore, while mounted, the client is working core muscles and overall balance. Depending on the severity of a physical disability it can also work other muscles of the body. It can help strengthen neck muscles, arms, legs, etc... It is also a great form of cognitive therapy. Specific riding skills can help a client's focus, concentration, and over-all disposition.
While teaching, the instructors goal is to teach a learnable riding skill, not a specific therapy goal. While the riding may help a client reach a particular therapy goal, the instructor is looking for improvements on balance in the seat, holding the reins correctly, etc. Riding goals and objectives may differ from client to client depending on the severity of the disability. Goals can range from keeping one's eyes forward and off of the horse to more advanced skills such as trotting through a 3 point obstacle course. The skills taught are completely dependent on the student. Clients with all ranges of disabilities can participate and leave with a wide spectrum of positive outcomes. For a more extensive information visit PATH International.
Meet our Instructors!
We are also happy to introduce our two PATH International Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructors, Karen Brown and Sarah Simounet.
Karen is one of the owners here at Wild Rose. She was certified in July 2011. She spent her mentor time at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center and is very excited to get the therapeutic program up and running.
Sarah is a recent graduate from Eastern Kentucky University, with a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She will sit for her Therapeutic Recreation Specialist certification test in January 2012. She was also certified for Therapeutic Horseback Riding instructing alongside Karen in July 2011. She did her mentor hours at BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center. She's a new hire to the facility and extremely excited to begin her work with the therapeutic riding clients.
Hippotherapy at Wild Rose Therapeutic
Although Hippotherapy has a funny sounding name, the results are unprecidented. Hippotherapy is either Speech, Occupational, or Physical therapy on horseback. Unlike Threapeutic Horseback Riding, Hippotherapy focuses on specific therapy goals. For example, during a Speech therapy session the therapist may be working on pronounciation of different sounds. They may use words such as "whoa" and "walk on". however the goal is not to teach a riding skill. Hippotherapy sessions are normally held at a walk, unless the therapist feels otherwise. The walking motion of the horse plays a big role depending on the student. For more extensive information about Hippotherapy please visit the American Hippotherapy Association.
