Field Placement Presentation:

Renew Therapeutic Riding Center

BROOKE LEDSWORTH
ED 225 MAY TERM

About RENEW
The mission of Renew TRC is to enhance the well
being of individuals in our community through the
physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits of
therapeutic horsemanship.
Located at Rusty Spurs Equestrian Center Renew now

has their own barn there.

Non-profit
Saw several types of exceptionalities

ASD, TBI, CI, Physically Impaired, EBD, hearing impairments, anger

management, depression, Down Syndrome, ADHD

Staff
Melissa Connor.
Renew executive director as well as a PATH
International Advanced Instructor.

Other instructors:
Allison, Deb, and Kayla.
Long certification process
Always in need of volunteers in order to
make lessons happen!

 Initial Reactions:

Excitement to see something new

Nervous about what to expect got lost

trying to find the barn

Amazed at how beneficial it is

Initial Goals:

Linda giving Tucker

treats after her lesson!

Figure out disability on my own before

asking Melissa

Get to know the riders

Understand advantages/disadvantages of
horse therapy vs. other methods of therapy

Responsibilities
1. Side walk with student
2. Reiterate things

instructor said to
students
3. Observe and do small

tasks
1.

I.e., Get props or treats,

scoop up poop, feed
horses, fetch horses, etc.

The usual lineup for lessons: two side

walkers, a leader, & an instructor

Video - OAC
Every Thursday morning

usually about 12
students
School pays for lessons
Stations of different

activities
Variety of disabilities and

ages

Technology #1
Ramps/lifts for getting
students onto the horses.

Mechanical lift for very

little mobility (John)

Ramp for some mobility

Stepping stools for those

more mobile

Technology #2
Wheelchair lifts
Not only are there

wheel chair lifts at

Renew, but OAC
has a school bus
that helps a lot as
well

Technology #3
Computers
They keep track of

students progress
through the use of
computers
Making schedules
Contacting families

Course/Text Connections
Enforces structure

Having routines for stretching and standing helps hyperactivity (Chapter 5, section 7).

Great for ADHD

Lessons are included as part of OACs school day

Goal-oriented

Some parents were encouraged by doctors/therapists to have their child come

IEPs may include a health plan and/or student behavior plan (Chapter 1, section 4).

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, & Time-limited (SMART)

Accommodations

Alterations that enable a student to perform/participate in activities similar to those

without disabilities (Chapter 2, Section 1).

Each lesson has accommodations from a typical lesson based on individual abilities/goals

Different ways to get on, different forms of riding (walk, trot, etc.), how much support to
give them, etc.

Journal Article
Therapeutic riding programs for Adults with physical impairments

Purpose = assess the outcome of a 12-week program for persons with

physical disabilities

Looked at levels of physical and global (general) self-efficacy as well as

behavioral self-confidence

Results:

At the end of the program, participants had improved physical self-efficacy

and self-confidence.

Supports the psychological value of this type of therapy/

intervention!

Farias-Tomaszewski, S., Jenkins, S. R., & Keller, J. (2001). An evaluation of therapeutic

horseback riding programs for adults with physical impairmnets. Therapeutic Recreation
Journal, 35(3), 250. Retrieved from http://0-search.proquest.com.lib.hope.edu/docview/
218648575?accountid=11471

Website
HTTP://WWW.RENEWTRC.ORG

Renew
Strengths

Goals

1. Eager to learn

1. Be as involved as

2. Willing attitude

possible
2. Talk to my mentor
often about areas I
need to improve
3. Arrive earlier to allow
more time with the
staff

3. Interactions with

both the students and

their parents/
guardians

Conclusions on RENEW
Offers students the opportunity to

build strength, confidence, &

independence
Its fun and students leave feeling

happy and accomplished

Builds relationships
A clear way to measure progress
I will be continuing to volunteer

throughout the summer!

References
Farias-Tomaszewski, S., Jenkins, S. R., & Keller, J. (2001). An

evaluation of therapeutic horseback riding programs for adults with

physical impairmnets. Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 35(3), 250.
Retrieved from
http://0-search.proquest.com.lib.hope.edu/docview/218648575?
accountid=11471
Powell, S, & Driver, M. (2015). Working with Exceptional Students: An

Introduction to Special Education. California: Bridgepoint Education,

Inc.