Therapeutic Riding Program

Equine Assisted Therapy

Types of disabilities and conditions

• Abuse Issues
• Amputee
• Attention Deficit Disorder
• Autism
• Brain Injuries
• Cardiovascular Accident/Stroke
• Cerebral Palsy
• Chemical Abuse
• Down Syndrome
• Eating Disorders
• Emotional Disabilities
• Hearing Impairments
• Learning Disabilities
• Mental Retardation
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Post Polio Speech Impairments
• Spina Bifida
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Visual Impairments

The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.

Individuals of all ages, with a wide range of physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities benefit from therapeutic horseback riding and other equine activities.

Greg Kersten's
OK Corral Series

Also see Commercial Equine Liability for additional policy information

• Therapeutic riding application and questionnaire must be completed in its entirety and all attachments and required documents must be included with the original submission for consideration.  Omission of any part without explanation will not be considered until all parts are included. 
• A minimum of two years experience in handicapped or therapeutic operations for the equine instructor is required.  The individual may have gained the experience from this operation or from working at a previous operation. 
• Personnel with past history of violence or criminal behavior or conviction are not acceptable for this program. All personnel will need a complete background history on file with the facility. 
• Minimum of two years experience for all horses either in past handicapped/therapeutic operations or as a school horse used in a daily lesson program.  They cannot have exhibited any prior violent or aggressive behavior or contributed to an accident or claim.  Some breeds may not be suitable if less than 5 years old. 
• Participants must be two years of age or older to participate in any hippotherapy program and 4 years or older to participate in any other program. 
• A ratio of 1:3 staff to participant is a requirement for hippotherapy operations and a 1:5 staff to participant ratio requirement for all other therapies/lessons.  Some risks may vary from this ratio and need to be fully explained for consideration.
• Participants with a past history of violence or criminal behavior or conviction are not acceptable for this program. 
• Professionals & Independent contractors must provide proof of insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 CSL liability.
• Three-year loss history must be submitted with the application.  Coverage cannot be bound without the past history.  Hard copy loss runs must be included if there was a prior carrier.
• Application/questionnaire must be signed by the applicant.  A faxed signature will be acceptable.
• An inspection of the premises may be requested by the underwriter.
• Risks with vaulting exposures are not acceptable.

Equestrian Therapeutic Associations:

OK Corral Series - Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association

• Equine Assisted Therapy Explained

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

American Hippotherapy Association

Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group