We operate a program that helps those with disabilities and special needs through connecting with horses. Our program brings dramatic changes into the lives of our students and their families and they value the time they spend here at Rockin' Horse Farm.
Benefits of Equine Assisted Activities
Establishing a bond with a magnificent creature, such as the horse, elicits feelings of hope and acceptance. Whether spending time with a pony or a full sized horse, you can't help but to feel like you are in the presence of a special being. The farm environment is relaxed, yet seems to stimulate the student's ability to focus and grow. We see improvements in our students, ranging from speech development and improved verbal and communication skills, to the physical benefits of improved strength, stamina, balance, coordination and even fine motor skills. There are emotional rewards that benefit our students as well, such as confidence building and relationship building. The door for relationships is often opened by a bond forming with the animals and then with our human volunteers and staff.
A Connection With Horses Through Riding
Horse Connections' Therapeutic Riding Lessons are held on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and on Saturdays. We provide weekly therapeutic activities to children and adults with a variety of disabilities. Some of the disabilities include amputations, autism, cerebral palsy, Downs syndrome, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, stroke, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, and hearing and visual impairments.Our lessons incorporate riding time with a major focus on time for each student to bond with the horses through grooming and petting. We have a horse walker, and side walkers available for each rider as needed. Our instructor will develop a lesson plan for the class. We can accommodate small groups of up to 4 students at a time, giving each student time alone with “their” horse. The charge is $250 per person per quarter, and we assist with finding sponsorships based upon need. We are pleased to offer this therapy riding program and to see the difference it is making in our student's lives!
There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.
~Winston Churchill.
We have our 501 (c) 3 non-profit status from the IRS!
All of your donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE as provided by law.
Dear Amy and Annette,
I can not Thank You enough for the introduction to Ms. Walsh.
Angie has shown her book to everyone in our family plus our neighbors.
My sister-in-law in Indiana owns quarter horses. We may send her a
book.
You have the most wonderful and relaxing environment. This has
helped our daughter to greatly improve her mental health.
Sincerely,
Ken and Diana Hartman
Check out Mary's book at:
http://www.shamracehorse.com/Home_Page.php
2009 Chasco Fiesta Parade
2009 Summer camp!
Horse Connections Camp Was GREAT!
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS WHO MADE CAMP POSSIBLE!!!!
"Dear Amy, staff and volunteers,
I can't even express to you the level of fun that my whole family had in experiencing Horse Camp this past week!!!!!! This was truly the highlight of our summer. I saw the twins make connections that I had never seen before with their language, with emapthy and concern for the animals, socially- with new friends and buddies, and with accepting alternatives to what they had become comfortable with as the routine. Those are all HUGE accomplishments and if that is what can happen in a week, I can't imagine what could happen in a season. We fully intend to find out, though. Please expect to see us back in the fall for lessons. Particularly for Emanuel and we'll see about Madelyn.
Thank for all your hard work and warm inviting atmosphere. You made it feel like it was OK to be ourselves, quirks and all. That is the kind of place environment where real learning can take place.
We loved it all!!
Fondly.
Elizabeth Wilson and family"
Our Amazing Horses and Students
Learn all about our horses, click here to meet them! 
