Programs

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Adaptive Programs

All of our adaptive programming considers the unique needs, abilities and learning styles of each individual when developing goals and lesson plans. Whether it be riding, horsemanship or carriage driving, all adaptive programs have skill-based goals however inherently contribute positively to the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being of children and adults living with challenges. Unique to Hope Haven, our in house physiotherapist continuously collaborates with our CanTRA instructors to help maximize participant's therapeutic needs, safety and achievement of goals.

What does the research show?

Research demonstrates that adaptive riding and horsemanship programs provide challenged individuals the opportunity to develop stronger self-confidence, self-regulation and coping skills to better manage anxiety, anger, frustration and/or lack of attention.

Research also shows that the horse’s unique multi-dimensional movement of it’s spine and pelvis "lends" itself to our riders. By manipulating the horse's movement characteristics and patterns we can directly influence our client's active movements necessary to achieve their specific goals.

Adaptive Riding

Our CanTRA certified instructors use adaptive teaching techniques and or equipment to help individuals with challenges learn the skill of riding. Skill levels as well as goals of our adaptive riders are wide spread. They may range from an individual’s first contact with a horse having a goal of becoming confident without sidewalkers, to an advanced rider aiming for a gold score in a para-dressage competition.

You do not need a specific diagnosis to join our adaptive riding program however some common ones would be Autism, Down Syndrome, Amputation, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy and ADHD to name a few. All of our programs are tailored to provide a safe and positive experience for our riders based on each individual’s abilities and defined goals as established during our enrollment process. Our riders enjoy the opportunity to explore their capabilities and successfully reach their objectives in a safe and fun envoironment.

What is the Cost?

The cost of Adaptive Riding lessons are $45 per lesson. We run on a seasonal schedule therefore invoices will be based on how many lessons are committed to at the beginning of each sesason.

If you require assistance with funding, click here to view some possible community sponsorship options on our Applications & Forms page.

How do I register for Adaptive Riding?

Please complete the following:

Participant Application
Professional Referral Form
Atlanto-axial X-ray Verification Form (if required by condition)

Click here to bring you to the applications page.

For more information, please call 519-986-1247 and ask for Robyn, or email program@hopehavencentre.org

Adaptive Horsemanship

This is an unmounted program that teaches how to care for, communicate with and exercise the horse from the ground. This program is appropriate for those that are unable or unwilling to mount for reasons such as weight restrictions, severe fear of heights, inability to weight bear and transfer with assistance or sit without significant support.

What is the Cost?

Our cost is $40 per lesson. We run on a seasonal schedule therefore invoices are sent out at the start of each season.

If you require assistance with funding, click here to view some possible community sponsorship options on our Applications & Forms page.

How do I register for Horsemanship?

Please complete the following:

Participant Application
Professional Referral Form

Click here to bring you to the applications page.

For more information, please call 519-986-1247 and ask for Robyn, or email program@hopehavencentre.org

Adaptive Carriage Driving

This program teaches the skill of driving a horse drawn carriage. Lessons are run with an instructor on the ground as well as a driving instructor assisting in the carriage. Along with learning the unique skill of carriage driving, this sport inherently provides a unique movement experience and challenges the muscular, neurological, vestibular and sensory systems. This program may be suitable for those unable or unwilling to mount a horse for various reasons such as weight restrictions, excess adductor tone, fear of heights or may just prefer it to riding.

What is the Cost?

$45 per lesson (lessons are 30min duration). We run on a seasonal schedule therefore invoices are sent out at the beginning of each season.

If you require assistance with funding, click here to view some possible community sponsorship options on our Applications & Forms page.

How do I Register for Carriage Driving?

You will nedd to complete the following:

Participant Application
Professional Referral Form
Atlanto-Axial X-Ray Verification (if required)

Once your application is complete we will set up an initial assessment visit to determine your program plan.

Cick here to bring you to the applications page.

For more information, please call 519-986-1247 and ask for Robyn, or email program@hopehavencentre.org

Therapy Programs

Our Therapy Programs differ from our Adaptive Programs in their goal setting and who is guiding the session. In therapy, the goals are functionally based targeting physical, cognitive and emotional outcomes versus riding and horsemanship skill-based in adaptive programming. Therapy programs are part of a therapeutic treatment plan under the guidance of a regulated health professional.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a mounted treatment session led by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist. Hippotherapy does not teach the skill of riding, it uses and manipulates the horse's unique movement thereby affecting the client’s neuromotor, sensory and cognitive systems to achieve functional outcomes. This program is part of a therapeutic treatment plan under the guidance of a designated health professional.

What differentiates Adaptive Riding and Hippotherapy?

Adaptive riding (AR) is defined as equine assisted activities that are adapted for individuals with special needs. The goals of AR may include sport, leisure, socialization, physical and education related. AR programs are lead by CanTRA certified horse professionals.

Hippotherapy does not teach the skill of riding. It uses the horse's unique movement to produce active responses in the client in order to effect their functional goals. HPOT is a part of a therapeutic treatment plan under a designated health professional.

There are many cases where a client may be involved in both HPOT and TR sessions as they may have both functional or medical goals as well as riding or social goals.

Why use a Horse for Therapy?

The horse has a unique multi-dimensional movement that is highly organized and "lends" itself to our riders. The horse's spine and pelvic movement is very similar to humans. By manipulating the horse's movement characteristics and patterns we can directly influence our client's active movements necessary to achieve their specific goals.

The hippotherapy environment provides a multi-systems experience that can't be reproduced in the regular clinic. These systems include: motor, musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, circulatory, visual, touch, hearing, speech, language and cognition. Treatment sessions can be tailored to focus on a select few but as in real life scenarios, clients will learn to organize many systems interacting simultaneously.

How do I Register for Hippotherapy?

You will nedd to complete the following:

Participant Application
Professional Referral Form
Atlanto-Axial X-Ray Verification (if required)

Once your application is complete we will set up an initial assessment visit to determine your program plan.

Cick here to bring you to the applications page.

For more information, please call 519-986-1247 and ask for Robyn, or email program@hopehavencentre.org

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, also known as Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is a therapeutic modality where a participant or group of participants work beside an equine partner and are guided by a Psychotherapist and Equine trained Facilitator. Through the process clients explore aspects of life, self and create change for the better. The horses and practitioners create a complete circle of trust, support and authentic acceptance to set the groundwork for the participant to thrive and grow. EFP uses experiential learning methods to allow people to achieve emotional, physical, mental and spiritual realizations or breakthroughs by working with a horses natural intuitive mirroring skills.In a world, so frantic, so disconnected, full of people stuck and despairing not even realizing they need not feel this way; EFP is a revelation in the darkness. EFP has been shown to help with anxiety treatment, OCD, PTSD, CPTSD, complex trauma, emotional dis-regulation, depression, addiction as well as building relationship skills, communication skills and boundaries.

Horses have the natural ability to sense our internal landscapes; what we are feeling, thinking, and even what we are trying to hide from ourselves. They help to guide us to find understanding, create compassionate movement and find our most beneficial choices all while being silently supportive in total acceptance of who we are and what we are going through. They urge us to be in the moment and show us the true potential of what that moment holds; no stress, peace, fulfillment, joy, ecstatic creativity. They show us tools to help us take these lessons and utilize them in the rest of our lives building courage and an empowered self as well as clearer and healthier foundations for our goals and dreams. Each experience, each session beside a horse is different and yet each time it feels like coming home.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

After introductions are shared the journey begins. Surrounded by nature and the powerful immensity of the horses, participants create their first connections through direct contact with a horse that calls to them. Whether in the round pen, arena, barn, field or forest the experience is one of growth, hope, inspiration, depth and empowerment. This connection and learning continues throughout the day.

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

When you are with a horse it requires presence, you must be present, in the moment, in the body. Being in an open structured space that encourages movement, freedom of thought and freedom of emotion creates a holistic experience where vast amounts of information is felt and moved and shared. The horse connects deeply to the participant picking up intuitively their true internal state, the horse mirrors it back allowing the facilitators to see the participants reality even if the participant is disconnected from it.

The horse also encourages connection to centre as they exist only in their centre, they provide an example for our own experience of self. Horses give us clear feedback as we process our limiting beliefs, emotional tides and physical sensations validating our experiences and our truths as we find them. This work is done on the ground only, the horses are not ridden.

WHY IS IT OF VALUE?

This work is of value because it actually provides us with a way to connect to our dreams in a tangible internal way. We actually empower ourselves, we actually gain freedom, we actually gain peace of mind. This work helps us to deeply transform our unhealthy beliefs, choices, feelings and allows us to thrive, succeed, to be limitless. It helps us find a direction that we love, that fulfills us. It helps us to create healthy relationships, healthy communication, to fulfill our needs and own our rights. It helps us to see ourselves truly and to own our dreams and gifts by seeing ourselves through the eyes and hearts of horses.

I HAVE NO PRIOR HORSE EXPERIENCE IS THAT OK?

No prior horse experience is necessary to find the full benefit of this work. I have heard from many participants that after their experiences they felt like they found a piece of life that was missing, that they will never look at horses the same way.

I HAVE SOME RIDING EXPERIENCE WILL THAT BENEFIT ME IN THIS PROGRAM?

We do not actually ride the horses so riding experience will not be a benefit in that way. It may allow you to feel more at ease around the horses from the beginning however. The exercises that take place are on the ground accompanied by the facilitators. There are some on back exercises that work with vulnerability where the horse is motionless but they are rarely used and must fit the situation, horse and participant.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Charlotte Brammer is a Registered Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner, Certified Hypnotherapist and Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. She specializes in anxiety treatment, OCD, PTSD and complex trauma. Charlotte can help you to feel better; overcome trauma, let go of anxiety and stress, move forward with grace and ease, and live fully and authentically.

Please contact Charlotte directly for further inquiries or to book an initial consult.

Email: livingclaritywellness@gmail.com

Other Programs

At Hope Haven we offer other forms of group and individual programming such as summer camp and school programs for children with challenges. We also host seminars and Equine Facilitated Wellness courses throughout the year.

Saddle Up For Success - School Program

Saddle Up For Success is our research based school program developed for elementary and high school students with emotional, cognitive and/or physical challenges.

Adaptive riding provides these students with the opportunity to develop stronger self-confidence, self regulation and coping skills so they can better deal with anxiety, anger, fear, frustration or lack of attention.

What is the format of this program?

In partnership with area schools, groups of up to 8 children are identified by teachers or parents who could benefit from adaptive riding. Frequency of the program is 1 morning a week for a minimum of 4 weeks. Students are provided with a 1 hour adaptive riding lesson or horsemanship (if unable or unwilling to ride), plus a 1 hour alternate activity such as hiking/snowshoeing, scavenger hunts, therapeutic yoga and meditation, creative art and rhythmic drumming. Alternate activities are tailored towards your group's ages, abilities and needs. They are also chosen with the same goals in mind that the adaptive riding lessons aim to achieve which is the opportunity for success!

Here is a sample of a 4 week Saddle Up For Success agenda:

Week 1 – 1 Hour adaptive riding lesson + 1 Hour Horsemanship - introduction to horse tack and grooming.
Week 2 – 1 Hour adaptive riding lesson + 1 Hour Yoga session with a certified instructor.
Week 3 – 1 Hour adaptive riding lesson + 1 Hour Horsemanship - expanding on horse care and horse communication.
Week 4 – 1 Hour adaptive riding lesson + 1 Hour creative art session.

How do we register?

Please contact our office to speak with our Program Development Manager. Robyn will be able to answer any questions and guide you through your first application process. Well before the program starts we need to have all participants complete a Participant Application as well as a Professional Referral Form. These can be filled out directly on our website or can also be downloaded and printed. Click here to take you to the applications page.

What is the cost?

A huge thank you to the Eva LeFlar Foundation as well as the Norman and Marian Robertson Foundation for sponsoring ALL participants for 2018 and 2019!! That means all the school groups need to take care of is their transportation!

For more information, please call 519-986-1247 and ask for Robyn, or email program@hopehavencentre.org

Saddle Up For SUMMER CAMP

Saddle Up For SUMMER CAMP is designed to take full advantage of all things equine! This is a week long, full day program where children ages 6-13 will be able to quickly progress not only their riding skills and knowledge of horse care, they will have invaluable social interaction with peers and experience a range of outdoor activities.

Each day the participants will have a 1 hour adaptive riding lesson, 1 hour horsemanship and horse care, as well as other activities that will promote creativity, exploring, team work and active living. Activities may include creative horse art, painting on a REAL horse, human jumper and human dressage courses, water play, trail hikes, fishing and so much more! Don't wait to register as spots are limited!

DATES

Week 1: July 16th-20th, 2018

Week 2: August 13th-17th, 2018

HOURS

9:00am - 3:00pm

AGES

Saddle Up For Summer Camp is designed for children 6 - 13 years of age, with individual consideration up to 16 years of age.

COST

$325/week

REGISTRATION & ACCEPTANCE

Participants will be accepted on a first come first served basis. All participants must have a completed Participant Application and Professional Referral Form. Each applicant will also have an intake assessment done as per our regular protocol for new participants.

Contact Robyn our Program Manager to register or for further inquiries. Phone (519-986-1247) Email (program@hopehavencentre.org).

FAQs

Is the camp integrated?

Priority will be given to special needs children as spots are very limited. If spaces are not filled by June 30th 2018, non-challenged siblings may be accepted into the camp.

Who Provides the food?

Lunch and snacks to be provided by each participant independently in consideration of any food allergies that may exist among participants. Water will always be provided by Hope Haven for drinking as well as the occasional popsicle or freezie on hot days!

How many participants per week?

We accept 8 participants maximum per week of camp.

How many counsellors?

There are 2 counsellors with the group throughout the day so that we always have at least a 4:1 ratio.

Equine Facilitated Wellness

Equine Facilitated Wellness creates a safe space in which clients are able to learn, experience, explore, and express themselves supported by our horse herd. Each program is uniquely designed to meet to needs, abilities and goals of your group.

What to expect?

Your group will work with our horse herd and instructors participating in facilitated ground-based activities to explore body language, boundaries, communication and emotional presence. Located on a 142 acre farm, you will experience the beauty of the Beaver Valley landscape.

Who is appropriate for EFW?

EFW programs are developed and designed to meet the needs of individuals and groups across the following areas: