Process to become a Hippotherapy client at SHHRC

 

Fill out the required client / rider application.

 

Once all required paperwork is completed the client will be placed on the Waiting List.

 

Attend a SCREENING (a free process that helps determine if prospective clients are appropriate for equine assisted therapy and directs clients/families towards the best matched program).  Screening dates will be announced as they are scheduled. Once the client has attended a screening,  (s)he will eligible for a therapy opening.

 

When an opening is available a THERAPY EVALUATION is scheduled.  The cost of the Physical or Occupational therapy evaluation is $125.00 and the evaluation typically lasts one hour.  This is used to evaluate specific physical, cognitive and emotional factors and determine therapy goals, specific to the client, family and hippotherapy setting.  Speech Therapy is provided by an independent contractor who may have different policies.  Discharge planning is also begun.

 

All paperwork must be up to date and a current Physician’s prescription is recommended for insurance reimbursement.  See our prescription form to take to the doctor with you.

 

Weekly treatment begins.  Treatment progresses until goals applicable to the hippotherapy setting are reached.  Payment is fee for service and is due weekly at the time of service for Physical and Occupational therapy.

 

Discharge is often a reason for celebration after meeting goals.  SHHRC offers several great programs for health promotion for clients discharged from therapy.  Clients are typically expected to make the most gains in physical skills within 6 months to one year of treatment using the horses’ movement (hippotherapy).  Goals and status of the client are reassessed in three or six month increments.

 

Changes in client status, medical conditions and excessive absences are also considerations for discharge.  Clients who experience a decrease in functional skills, exacerbation of a medical condition or whose excessive absences (50% or more of scheduled sessions) limit progress towards goals will be considered for        discharge.  A meeting will be arranged with family and client to discuss this situation.  Those discharged from therapy due to a medical condition or excessive absences are often encouraged to return to the waiting list status and resume therapy at a later time.

 

Clients who succeed in reaching their goals are reassessed and if additional therapy goals may be appropriate then therapy treatment can be continued if determined mutually beneficial by family/client and therapist.  However, if skilled therapy is no longer needed, clients can transition to another appropriate SHHRC program, including therapeutic riding.  Therapeutic riding provides clients with a chance to become a horseback rider.  Therapeutic riding is taught by a NARHA (www.NARHA.org) certified riding instructor.  The focus is gaining riding skills, similar to traditional riding establishments.  Clients often enjoy riding lessons and continue to benefit from interaction with horses.

Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center