Types of Therapy



Call the barn office for more information at 610-433-3707.

To inquire via email please contact Manito Life Center.

Therapeutic Riding (TR)
TR and horsemanship sessions are run by a therapeutic riding instructor, certified by PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) and up to three or more additional team members providing expertise as support staff and horse handlers. Each child receives personalized instruction with his or her team and goal-oriented sessions unique to the individual needs of each child. TR sessions are typically 30 minutes in length. TR sessions can have benefits for both physically and cognitively challenged individuals. These sessions focus on developing the physical and cognitive skills to effectively communicate with their equine partner. We offer private and group TR sessions.

Several of our therapeutic riders were able to compete in Exceptional Riders classes in our horse show series in the fall of 2015.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
EAP incorporates horses experientially for mental and behavioral health therapy, nurturing self-discovery and personal development. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. By providing children with wholesome avenues of self-expression, the EAGLE program at Manito Life Center assists in eliminating social and emotional obstacles to lifetime achievement.

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
EAL sessions are facilitated by a professional team that may include educators, an equine specialist in mental health and learning, and one or more horse handlers. EAL curricula may include science topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and equine health/management, paraveterinary care, animal husbandry and handling; agribusiness principles and application and farm management, maintenance and design. The equine- assisted learning program has been well received by schools and agencies of social work as well as local school districts.

Both EAP and EAL incorporate a herd of up to 16 horses in a unique curriculum specifically designed to assist in achieving goals toward health and well-being. Complimentary modalities such as African drumming, art and music and nature-based exercises may also be employed.

Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy, a type of Equine Assisted Therapy, is offered in partnership with Valley Family Therapeutics of Coopersburg, PA. Hippotherapy is a physical, occupational or speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. This strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. The session is comprised of a PATH Certified Instructor, a therapist, an equine partner, and horse handler and side walkers if needed.