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HEY IS FOR HORSES
Speech-Language Therapy Using Hippotherapy
We are currently offering a speech-language therapy program called “Hey is for Horses”. Owner, Kerry Nelson is partnering with Licensed Speech-Language Patholigist, McKayla Mortimer, to offer a 10- week speech-language therapy program that utilizes Hippotherapy for 30 minutes of targeted treatment. These are Private Sessions.
WHAT IS HIPPOTHERAPY
Hippotherapy refers to how occupational, physical, and speech-language therapists purposefully use the horse’s movement to promote functional outcomes in therapy.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING HORSES IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE THERAPY?
Horses provide sensory and motor stimulation and feedback to their riders. This rhythmic input supports the systems that impact the main areas that SLPs treat.
Speech Difficulties: Equine movement is used to facilitate the 70+ muscles that are required to produce speech sounds accurately and fluently.
Language Difficulties: Equine movement is used to facilitate the neural activity that is responsible for joint attention, engagement, and the speed of linguistic processing in naturally occurring and motivating opportunities.
Social Communication Difficulties: Incorporating horses and a farm environment provides natural and exciting opportunities for verbal and nonverbal social communication practice.
Other Benefits Include: Improved postural stability, increased adaptive behaviors, improved motor control, improved balance, and increased confidence and self-esteem.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?
“Hey is for Horses” targets speech and language goals for children with developmental disabilities between the ages of 2 and 21 years.
2020 Program Testimonies:
“This program is wonderful because it allows kids to work with horses to use more vocabulary. I think riding the horses lets the kids connect with the animal and they focus more because they need to be aware of what is going on.”
“’Hey’ is for Horses is an excellent program for all ages, including those with no prior horseback riding experience. All of the handlers, as well as assistants, are professional and friendly and my daughter felt very comfortable from the very beginning. We had an amazing experience, and [our child] learned many new skills. We are already looking forward to the next session of lessons. Thanks for such an awesome experience and making the opportunity available!”
"Hey is for Horses was an amazing program for my son. When we started the program he was only saying a few words. With the help from McKayla he would increase the amount of words he would say each week. It helped that she would get him to repeat the words so he was comfortable with it. The use of horses in the program was helpful because my son loves horses and it allowed him to talk about them."
HOW DO I ENROLL MY CHILD?
Hey is for Horses is a new program and has limited space available. An application must be submitted for review of the treatment team. Upon review of the application, the treatment team will determine if they can adequately serve your child and complete the enrollment process. Email HorsesWithKerry@gmail.com to receive an application. The cost for the 10-week program is $1,200.
Volunteers Needed:
We are looking for people over the age of 16 to assist with side-walking next to the client to ensure their safety. Please contact us Straight on ‘til Morning Farm to discuss your interest, experience, and availability.
GREAT OPTION for High School Seniors with transportation looking for an outdoor Senior Project. Must be 16 years or older to volunteer.