Question 1

Is my child eligible for the therapeutic riding program, and what conditions or needs do you support?

Accepted Answer

There is a list physical contraindications to therapeutic riding (examples: recent surgery, osteoporis, paralyses above a certain vertabrae) There may be behavioural conditions which make riding unsafe. Riders weighing over 240lbs are not able to ride any of the horses at HF. There is a driving program which would accommodate too heave to ride participants.
Therapeutic riding benefits many physical, intellectual and mental health challenges by individual lesson plans and helpers trained on the horses equipment and activities.

Question 2

How does therapeutic riding benefit children with physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental challenges?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic Riding introduces sequential thinking and task management using rhythmic motion transferred to rider astride. There is dignity and pride acquired during each sessions. The rider developes confidence and skills which transfer to life activities after the session(s).

Question 3

What qualifications and training do your instructors and therapists have?

Accepted Answer

CanTRA and PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding instructors and candidates working on their certification are present at all sessions. Therapists are invited in by parents on an individual basis.

Question 4

How are horses selected and trained to work with children in therapeutic programs?

Accepted Answer

Horses with suitable temperament including patience and focus working in a team. Equines must have rhymethic cadence and be thoroughly trained to commands on and off lead. Equines are trained to accept the games (ball toss, fishing etc.) before any activity is introduced to a rider.

Question 5

What safety measures are in place during lessons, and how many staff or volunteers assist each rider?

Accepted Answer

Each session has specific safety measures in place (booster platform for small riders to groom, waist belts if required, safety stirrups etc). The number of helpers depends on the needs of the rider. Some rider require a leader and two side walkers, some riders require a leader only. Some riders only require a spotter and the instructor present. Each session is designed to introduce and practice skills appropriate for the rider.

Question 6

What happens during a typical therapeutic riding session?

Accepted Answer

Rider is either present or a participant in grooming and tacking up before mounting. Pre ride activities are according to the rider’s abilities. The rider may mount from a mounting block or the ramp. A rider may be lifted astride. Session may proceed in the riding ring or woodland trails depending on the needs of the rider. All sessions have a warm up for rider and horse. Sessions may include games to help develop good deep seat or their riding skills in a playful interesting manner. Every session finishes with taking care of the horse and equipment
post ride and completing their check list.

Question 7

How do you assess my child’s goals and track their progress over time?

Accepted Answer

Every rider has an individual education plan which is formulated at the assessment, the doctor’s referral and the parents information. A check list is written up which is completed every session with new activities added as the rider progresses.

Question 8

What are the costs of the program, and are there any subsidies, grants, or funding options available?

Accepted Answer

Each private session is $150. there are 6 or 10 sessions reserved in advance. Depending on the eligibility riders and availability of the program riders are entitled to Pro Kids from their Municipal Recreation Department, Kid Sport from Sport Nova Scotia, and Jump Start from Canadian Tire. Individual grants from different foundations can be available to those who qualify these are usually applied for by therapists.
Children in Community Care are funded by Community Services. Students’ lessons who are coming from schools are paid for by their Regional School Board pre approval is required.

Question 9

What should my child wear or bring to each session, and are there any equipment requirements?

Accepted Answer

Helmets are provided by Hinchinbrook Farm. Parents should provide proper footware with ankles covered and heel evident. Long pants must be worn to prevent chafing of rider’s legs and to protect the saddle. When appropriate and if available riding gloves are provided by Hinchinbrook Farm. Parents should furnish bug repellent, water bottle, and sun screen. All lessons take place no matter the weather. Parents must dress their child for the weather is (Rain, Cold, Hot)

Question 10

How long is the waitlist for new participants, and how do we register for an assessment or introductory visit?

Accepted Answer

Hinchinbrook Farm does not keep a wait list if there is no availability there are no assessment dates. Parents/guardians must call 902 624-0603 to book an assessment. Registration, Waiver, Rider information, and Doctor Referran are available at the assessment. ALL riders much have their Dr. Referral completed by the 2nd lesson.

Frequently asked questions