Dear Prospective Client:
 

We welcome your interest in our program. Dream a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship (D.a.D.T.H.) is one of approximately 750 riding centers which are members of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International or PATH International. Our goal is to partner with our equine friends to provide love, hope and therapy for children and adults with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities.
 

In order to provide the best therapeutic benefit and the safest environment to our clients, D.a.D.T.H. has established some minimal guidelines for acceptance into the D.a.D.T.H. program. First, it is preferred that clients be at least 3 years of age. D.a.D.T.H. will accept clients as young as 30 months if the client exhibits head control and emerging trunk control. Secondly, clients who ride independently must weigh no more than 200 lbs. If over 200 lbs., alternative equine assisted programs can be discussed.
 

If the client meets these criteria, here is how to register. First, complete the enrollment forms. Be sure that all forms are dated with the same date as the date your doctor signs the Client Medical History and Physician Statement form. The Client’s Medical History must be completed, signed and dated by the client/parent or guardian. The client’s Physician will need to complete, sign and date the Physician’s Statement portion. It often takes a little time to get this done, so we recommend that you pursue this as soon as possible. All forms must be completed and returned before you or your child can be enrolled. Once you are in our program, all forms are required to be renewed annually based on the date of the physician’s signature on the Client Medical History and Physician Statement form.
 

Please submit (mail or email) the completed forms along with a $25 fee payable to Dream a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship (mailed check, Venmo, PayPal). The $25 fee includes a registration fee and covers the cost of the instructor’s evaluation. Upon receipt of the completed forms and the $25, you will be contacted to set up an appointment for your evaluation. Potential clients Do Not ride a horse at the initial evaluation. Please review the attached list of contraindications. If the client has one or more of these conditions, therapeutic riding is not recommended. The instructor will not approve the client’s enrollment and the $25 fee is not refundable.
 

Please call if you have any questions concerning these contraindications.
 

$25 fee does not apply to CLASS, DSA or any Medicaid Waiver Program evals.
 

Finally, upon completion of the evaluation, a ride time will be discussed, and the client will be in the program.
 

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

D.a.D.T.H. is staffed with a PATH International certified instructor who evaluates the needs and abilities of each client. With this information, a lesson plan will be developed that is specifically designed to benefit the client. The horse leaders and side-walkers volunteer their time to ensure the safety of the clients.

 

PROGRAM GOALS

THERAPEUTIC RIDING

Based on individual needs, the goals of the program are for the client to improve their:

• Muscle Tone

• Range of Motion

• Rhythm

• Attention Span

• Spatial Organization

• Judgement

• Muscle Strength

• Balance

• Coordination

• Sensory Awareness

• Sequential Performance

• Reasoning

 

HORSEMANSHIP SKILLS

Based on individual needs and site limitation, clients may develop the following skills:

• Reining

• Cantering

• Vaulting

• Stable management

• Posting to Trot

• Horse Handling/Ground Skills

 

ALL STUDENTS

For every client, the goals of the program include:

• Enhancing Functional Skills

• Developing Self Esteem

 

COMPETITION

Based on individual goals, the program offers the opportunity to participate in one of the following:

• D.a.D.T.H. Fund Day

• Gold Stirrup Horse Shows

• Special Olympics