Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Programs: A: therapeutic riding for all ages: hearts serves all ages (from 4 to 90+ years of age) in santa barbara with riding instruction to alleviate symptoms of stress and other factors due to disabilities, disease, or illness. Disabilities incllude cerbral palsy, seizures, autism, down syndrome, ms, alzheimer's, cancer, blindness, anxiety, mobility impairment, and physical abuse. Each participant is assess by a path (professional association of therapeutic horsemanship) certified instructor, and an unique curriculum is designed in support of the participant's physical and life goals. Every semester the instructor provides a progress assessment and revists the goals of the participant. B: veterans program: working under the guidelines of path international, hearts has developed their veterans program to assist in the management of ptsd, anxiety, and other stress-related issues. Hearts honors us veterans by providing an opportunity to build camaraderie, be of service to fellow veterans and the community, and experience a challengy physical activity. Veterans attend on a weekly basis free of charge. Veterans participate in equine activities including horsemanship, ground work, trail riding, and arena work to assist with rehabilitation and re-integration into the civilian sector. C. Equine facilitated learning (efl): working with a psychotherapist and path certified equine specialist, at risk youths as a group attend unmounted work for 7-10 weeks on a weekly basis. Taught horsemanship skills such as grooming, the herd's psycho-dynamic behavior, inter-species communication, and equine movement and gaits. Participants grow in confidence, learning valuable skills in social elements, teamwork, and inter-personal skills. D. Equine facilitated phsychotherapy (efp): psychotherapists and social workers use the equine to work one-on-one with clients as an active part of the clients' therapy activities. In conjuction with an equine specialist, the client learns about horses, their communication, herd behavior, and how behavior impacts others.