Non-profit organisation offering therapeutic horse riding
At the EARTH Centre we create hope through horses. We interact with the whole person - we strengthen the body, challenge the mind, and lift the spirit through our equine assisted programmes. The majority of the people that we assist come from disadvantaged backgrounds and live with a variety of physical, mental and emotional disabilities. We are devoted to keeping people focused on what they CAN do, rather than on what they cannot do.
Besides teaching a new skill, the pony offers soothing physical warmth, and effectively becomes the legs of a child who is unable to walk. Similarly, the three-way movement closely mimics the hip motion of the human gait, thus soothing and stimulating as well as strengthening undeveloped muscles. Riding…
*helps stretch tight or spastic muscles
*improves gross and fine motor skills
*improves balance and
*co-ordination
*promotes independence and encourages decision making
*develops self-discipline and improves self-image
*encourages communication and social skills
Our innovative approach to equine assisted therapy and our multi-sensory environment offer a calm retreat and a change from the daily hustle and bustle. We offer therapy that is tailored to each individual’s needs, backed up by dedication and expertise.
Our equine ‘therapists’ comprise 12 specially trained ponies and 2 miniature donkeys. Our instructors carefully evaluate the needs of each rider over a period of time to ensure they are paired with a ‘therapist’ that best suits his/her individual needs.
Our Programmes:
• Therapeutic riding
• Chat and Pat
• Substance abuse recovery programmes
• Corporate workshops run with Stoke
• Horsemanship
• Hippotherapy
How you can help
Please follow this link to finds ways to get involved and donate.
