Recently, our residents received an introduction to equine therapy at Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy in Chester Springs, PA. The equestrian therapy program serves both children and adults and it’s mission statement is “to enhance the quality of life of individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional or behavioral disabilities by providing them with affordable therapeutic horseback riding and associated special education of the highest possible quality in a warm, safe and familiar environment.”
Hope Springs is a perfect fit for our young men.
Manor of Hope residents toured the facility with one of the instructors: they toured both the indoor and outdoor riding rings and met all of the horses. The instructor described in detail the personality of each of the horses and explained that horses develop deep relationships with their riders. Some horses prefer male riders, others, female riders. Some crave attention, while others are shy. Instructors match each participant with a horse that is appropriate to the personality and needs of the individual. Residents then met with Executive Director and Senior Instructor, Jeannie Knowlton who spent time detailing the equine therapy program at Hope Springs.
Our young men are looking forward to working with the horses at Hope Springs and to the therapeutic benefits that will result.