Eligibility Requirements for Participation in Hippotherapy/Therapeutic Riding:

Services through Exceptional Equestrians can begin as early as age 2. All children new to the program must receive an initial assessment by our staff to determine eligibility for hippotherapy. Areas assessed may include:

• Head control
• Sitting balance/postural control
• Range of Motion
• Strength
• Sensory systems
• Emotional Readiness

Areas requiring precaution include:

• Instability at the atlanto-axial joint. (Children with Down syndrome are required to have an x-ray and physician release)
• Problems at the hip; including displacement, instability, limited range, and pain.
• Orthopedic issues of the spine (scoliosis, spina bifida)
• Height and weight restrictions (We are a pediatric facility and our equipment and horses are geared to children. Hippotherapy will be provided as long as staff can safely transfer child onto horse and the child’s weight and height fall within accepted child to horse weight ratios).
• Behavior. Safety for your child and our staff is of primary concern. It is more difficult to control behavioral issues while on a horse. EE staff reserves the right to discontinue hippotherapy and/or therapeutic riding if behavior issues at any time compromise safety.

All children are unique and exhibit individual talents and challenges. Your child will be assessed based on his or her unique characteristics and the goals of your family. If hippotherapy is recommended an individualized treatment program will be implemented. Reminder that hippotherapy is a treatment strategy to be used in addition to traditional therapies. We will work together with your community therapist to help your child meet his or her functional goals.

If you are interested in having your child participate in programming at Exceptional Equestrians, please call us at (920)339-0700 to request a parent packet. Your packet will contain necessary registration forms and instructions.

A liability waiver and physician medical release are required for all participants of riding programs. A physician prescription is required for hippotherapy.