| Special Equestrian Riding Therapy Moorpark (805) 523-1244 SERT, Individual riding therapy for children with special needs by NAHRA instructors. http://www.sert.org/ Special Equestrian Riding Therapy, or SERT certified by NARHA – the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association is designed to provide physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged individuals with opportunities for growth through horsemanship. In 1987, a group of concerned individuals, some of them parents of children with disabilities, sought a way to improve the quality of children’s lives through the use of horses. They realized that the physical movement of a horse promotes balance, coordination, and muscle strength. They also knew that the ability to control a horse inspires self-confidence and responsibility. To that end, they founded Special Equestrian Riding Therapy, or SERT. A community-oriented, non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, SERT is designed to provide physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged individuals with opportunities for growth through horsemanship. Here in a serene ranch environment, therapeutic goals include physical, mental, social, educational and behavioral improvement. When learning is part of a riding lesson, there is less resistance, and that unique bond between horse and rider is made even more special when experienced through the eyes of a child. Physically, riders can improve muscle control, balance, coordination, and motor skills. Mentally, as they master the art of communicating with their horse, their confidence grows in leaps and bounds. Success on horseback bubbles over into the rest of their lives. From atop a horse, they gain a new perspective on the world. Like the children, the horses of SERT come from all walks of life - a variety of breeds, temperaments, and ages. When matching horse with rider, we consider the personalities and abilities of both, finding the proper balance of safety and challenge. The horses, instructors, and volunteers all encourage children to be as independent as possible. Activity stations are placed throughout the arena, and riders participate in games using colors, numbers, shapes and sizes. Based on their specific abilities, riders are asked to perform sequences on horseback, or even create their own. Through these activities, children can gain effective communication skills, increase awareness of emotions, improve attention spans, and learn to accept responsibility for their own actions. Mastering the art of horsemanship can give children the skills needed to face fears and access strengths. Over the years, SERT has become a highly respected therapeutic riding program and is certified by NARHA – the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. We love watching each child progress in their own unique way. We’ve heard a child utter their first word - “horse”; observed a child with Cerebral Palsy pick up their reins on the first attempt; watched “the light go on” when a child with Autism understands his left from his right; and thrilled at the smile of a young girl getting to ride after months of chemotherapy. These are just a few examples of personal successes celebrated every day at SERT. We invite you to come experience them with us. therapeutic riding therapeutic riding programs therapeutic horseback riding therapeutic riding center therapeutic horsemanship riding therapy special needs special needs horses horseback riding therapy equine assisted therapy equestrian riding therapy NARHA North American Riding for the Handicapped Association physically challenged mentally challenged emotionally challenged handicapped autism children disabilities down Syndrome ADD therapy :ADHD therapy PDD-NOS therapy |
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