Program

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Tara's Chance Equine Assisted Therapy program provides individuals with special needs with the opportunity to participate in a unique, structured program designed specifically to help meet their physical, cognitive, behavioral and social needs through nonclinical and is non medical. Services are delivered by trained instructors and supported by staff and volunteers in an environment that is understanding, inclusive, and responsive to the unique needs of each participant. The benefits of equine assisted activity programming extend across a broad spectrum of riders in an atmosphere that is understanding, sensitive and supportive of the unique needs of those with special needs. Children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, physical handicaps, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental delays, genetic syndromes (such as Down syndrome), traumatic brain injuries and other special needs have all benefited from the program. Students participating in the program are afforded an experience that will impact them for a lifetime while positively improving the way they function in their daily lives.

 

Physical Benefits

The goals and benefits of equine assisted activities are individualized for each participant based on their specific needs and abilities. The movement of the horse causes an inherent response in the rider, supporting improvements in balance, coordination, body awareness, and motor control. These activities encourage participants to engage muscles, develop strength, and improve overall physical function in a dynamic and supportive setting. 

 

Equine assisted activities provide multi-dimensional movement, which is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive. The horse provides a dynamic base of support, which can contribute to improve trunk strength, postural control, balance, and endurance. Participants may also demonstrate increased coordination, attention, and engagement through consistent participation in structured sessions. 

Cognitive & Social Benefits

 

Participating in equine assisted activities provides opportunities for individuals to build confidence, independence, and self awareness. Working with horses encourages participants to develop communication skills, follow directions, and engage in problem solving. The horse is a unique example of gentleness and power and responds to all people according to their intentions, not their age, size, race, or social status. The horse is a gentle judge of character and students adjust their behavior accordingly. We at Tara’s Chance focus on building the student’s self-image, one rider at a time, so that we accomplish not just a new physical skill or emotional breakthrough, but provide a context for the student to experience a new sense of self-worth while doing meaningful work alongside their peers, instructors and volunteers.

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The program emphasizes skill building in areas such as teamwork, responsibility, and emotional regulation. Activities are designed to promote engagement, personal growth, and meaningful participation in a supportive, community based setting. Instruction is adapted to meet each participant's learning style and individual goals, ensuring a personalized and inclusive experience. 

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Our Experience

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Tara's Chance is committed to providing services that are participant centered, including promoting personal choice, community integration, and individualized support. With experience working with children and adults with diverse support needs, our team adapts instruction to meet each participant's individual goals and abilities. We recognize that every participant is unique and approach each session with individualized support and attention. This understanding helps us to deliver a program that makes a big impact on the students. The life skills learned, such as teamwork and responsibility, have lasting effects.

 

The program is designed as a recreational service that supports skill development and quality of life. Equine therapy provides the opportunity for our riders to show off and demonstrate success in a sport like atmosphere.

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Fees & Policies

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Riding fee per session is $50. Tara’s Chance is dedicated to providing equine assisted activities for all participants regardless of financial limitations. Tara’s Chance policy is to never refuse a rider in the program due to an inability to pay. Scholarships are available and the organization works with families to ensure participation is accessible.

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The program operates 43 weeks out of the year. Click here to view our calendar. The program currently operates Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 2:20 - 6:20 p.m. and Saturday 8:30-1:00. 

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Participants must be 3 years old, there is no age limit. Participants must weigh less than 150 pounds.

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Waitlist Policy:

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1.After completing the above form below will be added to the waitlist. The waitlist is currently over 3 years.

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2.When your child is at the top of the waitlist you will receive an email from kristyna@taraschance.org and a phone call from our staff to complete a rider update form, liability release form, and Tara’s Chance policy form. You will have 3 days to return our email or phone call or we will move to our next rider on the waitlist. If this happens you will remain at the top of the list and we will attempt to contact you again when your child is at the top of the list. If we are not contacted after trying to reach you 4 times, you will be removed from our waitlist.

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3.You must return all completed forms to kristyna@taraschance.org within 2 days of our original email and phone call or we will move to the next rider on the waitlist. We will attempt to contact you to remind you.

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4.After receiving all completed forms, we will call or email you to schedule an evaluation ride for your child.

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5.If our program director approves of the evaluation ride, we have accepted 98% of all evaluation riders and work with high special needs children, we will schedule a recurring weekly time that works for your child in our program.

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6.You will then begin riding on a weekly basis and emailed an invoice monthly.