IVY HILL Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Results: Since 1999, Ivy Hill has served every year over 400 individuals, families, and groups facing physical, social, behavioral, cognitive and psychological challenges. We have produced successful students and competitors, and are home to the first Olympic Champion in Bucks County and Eastern Pennsylvania. In the State of Pennsylvania, Ivy Hill has emerged as an organization that can be depended on to create innovative and collaborative programs to benefit the underserved and economically disadvantaged in our community. While other peer organizations have shied away from difficult social, behavioral and psychological issues, Ivy Hill has pressed forward to create positive and innovative programming for individuals with mental and behavioral health issues, addiction issues, end of life issues, and victims of domestic violence. Our practice is research and results-based, our organization is governed by a diverse Board of Directors and utilize best-practice standards of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, the National Association of Non-Profit Organizations and Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Organizations.

Target demographics: children and adults with disabilities, special needs or life challenges.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 135 participants in Therapeutic Riding, and an additional 300 Special Program participants.

Geographic areas served: Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh and Pennsylvania counties, PA

Programs: Equine therapy at Ivy Hill is a game changer. We have a passion for training riders in sportsmanship and equitation, and believe in the benefit of learning life lessons with the help of a little horsepower. Through our Therapeutic Riding Programs, our PATH-certified instructors motivate our riders utilizing the barn experience and the joy of the horse/human connection. The combination of grounded horsemanship skills and mounted riding lessons creates a challenge that inspires confidence, encourages independence and builds trust. Sessions are 30-50 minutes and can be scheduled for once a week or bi-weekly. Goals for riders may include increasing physical abilities, developing behavioral and communication skills, improving critical thinking skills and enhancing emotional well-being. All our riders have plans that are tailored to their specific needs and desired objectives. The Hippotherapy Program provides physical, occupational, or speech therapy that utilizes the three-dimensional movement and body warmth of a horse to deliver integrated treatment. Our licensed therapists work with clients in a controlled environment and modify the horse's movement while providing sensory input. All Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies take place at our state-of-the-art facility in Hilltown Township. In conjunction with collaborative partner organizations who seek to improve the quality of life for those disabled, disadvantaged and underserved in our surrounding counties, programs are created to address specific needs and produce specific objectives. This is done through the work of our Board of Directors, Program Director and Management Staff and their work in outreach and exploration of unfilled needs in our special populations, which are then planned, scheduled, made operational, and then evaluated for Mission-appropriateness, productive attainment of goals and program improvements. Our instructors are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship.