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A therapeutic riding facility located at Tykenbay Acres, Etna, Maine
Promoting work with horses in the treatment of people with emotional, behavioral, social, mental, physical and/or spiritual needs.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
"Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy" is an experiential treatment approach that provides the client with equine experience designed to promote self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-responsibility.
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MISSION
* To promote professionally facilitated equine experiences designed to enhance psychosocial development, growth, and education
* To educate others to work with the horse in the treatment of people with emotional, behavioral, social, mental, physical, and/or spiritual needs
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Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riding has been used in Europe since the early 1950s as a tool for improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. It grew from a few dedicated equestrians into an established treatment method that is now recognized by medical and psychiatric professionals. Individuals with almost any physical or emotional disability can benefit from therapeutic riding. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to the human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, and self-esteem. The rhythm of the horse also seems to have a calming effect on some children with physical and emotional disabilities.
More about therapeutic riding at NARHA's web page
Staff
Polly Woodard has operated a summer riding camp for children since 1990 and has owned a horse boarding business for twelve years. She is the manager of Tykenbay Acres and Riding High For Kids, and the riding camp she operates has benefited many children. She brings patience and understanding to her work. Polly has taken various courses to better serve special needs children, as she works at Plymouth Group Home, where she connects daily with children with emotional and behavioral disabilities. In doing so, she has acquired certification as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician I.
Tyra Payne has worked around and ridden horses her entire life. She is an accomplished equestrian and has taught younger children riding instruction for seven years. She has also had experience in working with children while working as a child care provider, substitute teacher, and volunteering as a tutor/mentor. She studied education and psychology at the University of Maine and is employed as a teacher.
Amy Cota has obtained certification as a Horsemanship Safety Instructor (HSA), qualifying her to instruct riding lessons and to teach horsemanship. She has worked around horses for the majority of her life, and she is a CNA who holds the position of certified EMT.
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