Our Programs

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.

How do I register for Adaptive Riding?

Please complete the following:

1. Participant Application
2. Professional Referral Form
3. 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

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.

How do I register for Horsemanship?

Please complete the following:

1. Participant Application
2. 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

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.

How do I Register for Carriage Driving?

You will nedd to complete the following:

1. Participant Application
2. Professional Referral Form
3. 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

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.

What is the Cost?

The cost is the same as our Adaptive Riding program which is $45/lesson.

How do I Register for Hippotherapy?

You will nedd to complete the following:

1. Participant Application
2. Professional Referral Form
3. 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

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 therapeutic riding. Frequency of the program is 1 morning a week for a minimum of 4 weeks. Students are provided with a 1 hour therapeutic 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 therapeutic 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 therapeutic riding lesson + 1 Hour Horsemanship - introduction to horse tack and grooming.
• Week 2 – 1 Hour therapeutic riding lesson + 1 Hour Yoga session with a certified instructor.
• Week 3 – 1 Hour therapeutic riding lesson + 1 Hour Horsemanship - expanding on horse care and horse communication.
• Week 4 – 1 Hour therapeutic 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?

For a 4 week session our cost is $180. For families who need assistance, please inquire about sponsorship funds we may have available. Other available community funders include Jumpstart, Beaver Valley Outreach, and Grey County National Child Benefit, all of which you can apply for at any time.

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

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 therapeutic 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

Week 2:  August 13th-17th

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.

Our Volunteer for Growth Program was designed to welcome individuals from our community who would like to experience the rewards of volunteering but have limitations or challenges that make it necessary to have someone working with them.

Program goals:

• create opportunities for individuals to become more socially active
• create a strong sense of personal accomplishment and satisfaction in helping others
• learn new skills and increase confidence as part of our volunteer team
• provide individuals with skills for the workforce

There is no cost associated with this program.

How do I register?

Please complete the following:

1. Volunteer Application

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