Our purpose at Equine Angels Special Therapy Center is to provide a unique and continuous therapy experience to children with severe disabilities by implementing a Horseback Therapy, and an Aquatic Therapy program throughout the year.  We serve a small community of people with recognizable physical limitations which currently prohibit them from being able to ambulate independently. Our greatest hope is that we will be able to help many of these special people achieve functional independence and notable recognition for the abilities they do possess.

Our entire program promises to administer high quality therapy sessions utilizing a licensed Physical Therapist, and knowledgeable, well-trained volunteers. Our highest priority is the therapy element, and we will strive to show progression toward the goals set by the Therapist for each participant. The Horseback Therapy program is committed to safety and only uses specially selected, well-trained horses. The Aquatic Therapy program takes place at the Center’s pool which was designed specifically for an effective and safe therapy purpose.  

People who have debilitating physical disabilities rarely receive the amount of quality therapy needed during their lifetime for various reasons. Progress is greatly dependent on continuity of good services, especially in children as they grow, and those with degenerative conditions.

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The therapy benefits of our program will always include:

1) exercise — persons with disabilities have little access to a quality exercise program, and both horseback riding and swimming are excellent cardiovascular activities;

2) simulated walking — a non-walking person can actually feel what walking is like while riding a horse because the horse's swinging gait moves the rider's pelvis, trunk and shoulders as does normal human walking; also, a non-walking person can actually replicate the muscle movement patterns like that of walking in the water during aquatic therapy;

3) balance and strength — the movement of a horse gently shifts the rider side-to-side, back-and-forth, and up-and-down in a way that enables them to develop and/or improve balance and strength; also, during aquatic therapy, muscles can be exercised in all directions due to the fact that water resistance is 12 times greater than air, thus providing a more comprehensive and profound therapy effect; and, finally,

4) happiness — the effect of the positive emotions both horses and water inspire is a proven factor in healing the body, mind and spirit.