Hippotherapy for Learning Disability and Child Therapy in Dallas Fort Worth DFW Metro at Stajduhar Stables – The rehabilitation service of choice for the population we serve, exemplifying the spirit of Christian compassion and love in all things. Stajduhar Stables was created by Lisa Stajduhar, a physical therapist and horse owner who saw the benefits of equine assisted therapy for clients with physical, mental, emotional, and social disabilities. The program has 2 physical therapists, one occupational therapist, 3 therapeutic riding instructors, and two EAGALA level one facilitators. One of the unique aspects of Stajduhar Stables is a multi-disciplinary team of therapists and therapeutic riding instructors who can provide quality, one on one care to each client and their family.

Our Programs Stajduhar Stables provides 3 programs- hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and an equine assisted mental health program.

What is Hippotherapy? Hippotherapy refers to the use of the movement of a horse as a treatment tool by trained physical, occupational or speech therapists to address impairment, functional limitations and disabilities in children and adults with neuro-musculoskeletal dysfunction. Hippotherapy is physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy using the horse as a treatment tool. The horse is part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.

Who would benefit from hippotherapy? Children and adults with mild to severe neuro-musculo-skeletal dysfunction can benefit from hippotherapy.
Some of the diagnoses seen in hippotherapy are: Cerebral Palsy - Down Syndrome - Metabolic Disorders - Chromosomal Abnormalities - Multiple Sclerosis - CVA - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – Sensory Motor Dysfunction - Central Nervous System Disorders.

What is Therapeutic Riding? Therapeutic riding uses equine-oriented activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people with disabilities. Therapeutic riding provides benefits in the areas of therapy, education, sport, recreation and leisure.

Who would benefit from Therapeutic Riding? People with physical, mental and psychological impairments may use equine activities as a recreation and leisure experience. The emphasis is on an enjoyable and relaxing experience that provides additional therapeutic benefits in the areas of socialization, posture, mobility, and an overall improved quality of life. Individuals may participate in horse-related activities to their maximum ability in an atmosphere of support, structure, and socialization for the primary purpose of the intrinsic enjoyment of the activity.

Individuals in the DFW Dallas Fort Worth area with the following disabilities commonly participate and benefit from therapeutic riding: Muscular Dystrophy - Cerebral Palsy - Visual Impairment - Down Syndrome - Mental Retardation - Autism - Multiple Sclerosis - Spina Bifida - Emotional Disabilities - Brain Injuries - Spinal Cord injuries - Amputations - Learning Disabilities - Deafness - CVA.

How do I know what my child needs – Hippotherapy or Therapeutic Riding? Call us and we will help you decide which program is best for your child. If it is hippotherapy, we will need a prescription for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy from the doctor. Therapeutic riding does not require a doctor’s prescription.

What is Equine Assisted Learning?
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is the professional field in which horses are used as a tool for emotional growth and learning and is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and horse professional. Participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. The focus of EAL is not riding or horsemanship - 95% of EAL takes place on the ground. The focus of EAL involves the use of activities involving the horses which requires the client or group to apply certain skills: non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude. EAL addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.

Hippotherapy for Learning Disability and Child Therapy in Dallas Fort Worth DFW Metro at Stajduhar Stables.