Equestrian Program
Mission: We strive to enhance the therapeutic value of our programs by intentionally attaching youth and animals in a mutually beneficial relationship that can result in a bond that brings consistency, caring and growth. The intensive interaction with horses generally results in a sense of mastery and positive outcomes.
Course Area: Outdoors, on and off site. The barn facility includes classroom space and offices, with a fenced riding ring just outside. The campus covers more than 100 acres and numerous wooded riding trails are maintained on grounds. We also take advantage of the horseback trail systems at the nearby Allegany State Park and the Pine Hill State Forest.
Risk Level: Low to High
There’s a saying that goes, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a person.” Riding and caring for a horse can have powerful benefits for the youth in our care.
Horses are a powerful motivator for youth. Youth often work harder in the barn than any place else because they have a huge incentive: They want to ride. Youth who haven’t controlled their behavior elsewhere quickly learn to do so around the huge, imposing animals.
Activities include caring for horses, recreational trail riding, exhibition riding and simply enjoying companionship.
By caring for a horse, a youth is often able to form a bond with the animal, and that can be a step toward forming healthy relationships with people.
Program and Staff Certification: The respect that a large animal commands provides numerous “challenge-by-choice” experiences that can be used in the treatment process. Learning to ride means learning mastery over a huge animal, which gives some youth the confidence to tackle other difficult issues in their lives.
Other benefits of riding include large motor coordination, balance, strength and appropriate risk taking, as well as potentially giving youth a healthy lifelong leisure pursuit.
The Equestrian Program maintains certification through the Council on Accreditation (COA), the Certified Horseman Association (CHA) and the Association for Experiential Education (AEE). Equestrian Program instructors are certified through the Certified Horseman Association (CHA). All staff receive American Red Cross first aid and CPR training.
Eligibility Criteria: To ride a horse independently, participants must have signed consent for equestrian activities. Youth must be at least 8 years of age. The youth will be medically screened by the Health Department to ensure ability to participate in the Equestrian Program. Size limitation is not a concern in the lower weight ranges. Youth over 200 pounds will be evaluated on an individual basis. The criteria include the ability to mount, dismount and maintain balance while riding. The Equestrian Program provides a wide selection of horses that are able to carry a range of weights and sizes. The Equestrian Program provides riding for a range of youth from those with no experience to advanced. Each participant learns about a horse’s natural instincts and the safety norms required for safe interaction. Mastery of basic horse skills is required to advance to trail rides. Youth are not required to ride; they may reap great benefits simply by being responsible for a horse’s care.
Contact:
Anthony Walters, LCSW-R
Admissions Director
(716) 358-3636, ext. 235
twalters@ndyfs.org
Randolph Children's Home, 356 Main St. ER
Randolph, NY 14772
Web site: www.ndyfs.org
E-mail addresses are the first letter of the person's first name, followed by the last name, with the ending @ndyfs.org
Example: John Smith would be jsmith@ndyfs.org
