THE VETERAN & THERAPEUTIC DRIVING

PRESENTER: MARGO DEWKETT

Inside handout:• sample of block lesson plan• example of veteran packet

Horses for HeroesThe equestrian disciplines are

unique in two ways;

they involve a direct

partnership between

horse and rider, or horse and driver

and they have military foundations.

“Look back at our struggle for freedom.

Trace our present day’s strength to its source;

and you’ll find that man’s pathway to

glory is strewn with the bones of a horse.”

anonymous

W

H istory of Windridge –

indridge’s Mission –Our mission is to enhance the lives of children and adults

with a physical, cognitive or emotional special need, and to make a positive difference

in the lives of our volunteers, staff and horses.

Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas, Inc. was founded as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1988 by Margo Dewkett, a former race horse trainer and jockey, who desired to share her love and knowledge of horses to benefit others. As Windridge grew, serving 140+ program participants weekly, East Texans began to realize the validity to Wind-ridge’s therapeutic horsemanship programs and became the primary funding sources which include; individual contribu-tions, civic organizations, foundations and corporate dona-tions. In 1997 Windridge purchased 23 acres adjoining its founded location and in 2001 a 38,000 square foot covered facility was completed providing a permanent home and room for the enhancement and expansion of therapeutic horsemanship programs. Windridge’s facility is the first in Texas to have been built specifically for therapeutic riding and contains an 80 x 200 square foot arena, 24 horse stalls, tack room which doubles as a storm shelter, office areas, classroom, family waiting room, and a therapy room. In 2008 Windridge took another step to build a research room. Steps have been taken to collaborate with universities to conduct research projects.

Windridge’s Accomplishments Include Being. . .• the first therapeutic center in East Texas.• the first center in Texas to offer hippotherapy• the first center in Texas to offer therapeutic driving.• the first center in Texas to design and build a facility specifically for therapeutic horsemanship programs.

how to drive a horse-drawn vehicle. Driving a horse-drawn vehicle provides many physical benefits such as joint com-pression and system stimulation, which is vital to an inactive body.

As in the Therapeutic Riding Program, participants will have the opportunity to work with their therapeutic driving instructor in setting their driving goals and objectives. Two skill levels are offered in Windridge’s Therapeutic Driving Program, which are: • Novice Driving • Advanced Driving Hippotherapy – (“hippo” is Greek for Horse) Using the horse as a dynamic therapy tool, Windridge’s Hippotherapy Program provides an equine facilitated ther-apy implemented by a licensed Physical, Occupational, or Speech therapist working in conjunction with Windridge’s instructors to provide the maximum benefit possible to meet a participant’s therapy goals.

It is proven through research that the horse takes approxi-mately 3,000 steps in 30 minutes. This is 3,000 repetitions of a therapeutic movement a client receives which can not be duplicated in any other fashion off of the horse, (on their own, or by a machine). This rhythmic movement of the horse’s gait is used to influence the participant’s posture, bal-ance, coordination, mobility and function.

The individual who chooses to participate in the Hippother-apy Program will work in conjunction with a therapist who is certified by the American Hippotherapy Association and a Windridge PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor. Therapy goals rather than equestrian skills are focused on.

Research –Research has not been published on the effects of using the horse to facilitate therapeutic benefits with the veteran or in-jured man or woman in our armed services. It is believed by conducting research projects, we will maximize the benefit of both treatment and therapy strategies the Veteran’s Ad-ministration would prescribe for its clients. It is our goal to complete valid studies that quantifies these benefits and sets the stage for further, in-depth study of the functional gains that are made and their longevity.

Adaptive devices are used in all programs as needed.

“The outside of the horse is good for the inside of man.”

Winston Churchill

Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center - Horses for Heroes Program page 2

Throughout the years Windridge has stepped forward to seeks ways to serve our veterans and with this attitude men who served our country in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Desert Storm have utilized our therapeutic services. Windridge is eager to take another significant step forward in serving our veterans and the men and women in our armed services who have been injured by including the Horses for Heroes Program endorsed by the leaders of our country and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).

Veterans will have the opportunity to choose from one of Windridge’s therapeutic horsemanship programs: • Therapeutic Riding • Therapeutic Driving • Therapeutic Driving • Hippotherapy Or, become involved in one of two pilot programs our equine facilitated psychotherapy and equine facilitated learning or in one of our research projects.

At this time Windridge’s Horses for Heroes Program is not designed to accept a veteran’s spouse or children as program participants.

Therapeutic Riding – This program provides an innovative and highly beneficial form of therapy incorporating exercise utilizing the bene-ficial movement of the horse while teaching riding skills. The merits of this type of physical exercise are indisputable. While sitting on the back of a walking horse, the rider’s upper and lower body muscles and joints are exercised to the finest degree as if the rider is walking. This movement produces weight bearing through limbs and joints, rotation of the pelvis, sensory stimulation and strengthening and stretching of muscles. These effects occur regardless of the rider’s physical abilities. Program participants will have the opportunity to be di-rectly involved, with their therapeutic riding instructor, in setting riding goals and objectives beginning with the first skill level. As equestrian skills are developed the rider may continue to choose which equestrian discipline and level he or she would like to improve their skills in. The three levels offered at Windridge are: • Novice Equestrian • Advanced Equestrian • Equine Training

Therapeutic Driving - Our therapeutic driving program allows individuals to learn

H orses for Heroes Program –

PProgram Fees –

At this time, Windridge is offering its Horses for Heroes Program at an introductory fee scale. • Therapeutic Riding - $?? per class time • Therapeutic Driving - $?? per class time • Hippotherapy - $?? per therapy session

Other Cost Factors –

Transportation to and from the VA Medical Center or home will need to be addressed. Windridge is more than 70 miles from the nearest VA Medical Center and does not provide transportation.

The ability to garner scholarship funds for veterans in need of financial assistance to participate in Windridge’s programs will be a factor. Windridge’s interest is to establish a Horse’s for Heroes Program that is beneficial to the veteran, VA Medical Center and Windridge. Windridge is willing to provide scholarships to the veterans in need and as the Horses for Heroes Program continues to develop financial assistance will be assessed between the VA Medical Center and Windridge.

Available Class Times –

Windridge schedules 39 weeks of classes per year as follows • Fall Session - 11 weeks in length • Winter Session - 12 weeks in length • Spring Session - 8 weeks in length • Summer Session - 8 weeks in lengthIndividuals interested in enrolling in Windridge Horses for Heroes Program may choose to participate for an entire ses-sion or as few as 6 weeks. It is advised a participant enroll at least 6 weeks in order to receive therapeutic benefits.

Class times are scheduled for Thursday mornings between 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.Class times are scheduled according to an individuals needs.

45 min., 60 min., or 90 min. class time frames

Participant involvement is limited only by level of activity required, contraindications, time, support staff, and funding .

National Affiliation –Windridge is a Premier Accredited Therapeutic Equestrian Center with the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship International, (PATH Intl.).

rogram Outline

Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center - Horses for Heroes Program page 3

Windridge’s program policies and procedures exceeds industry standards as delineated in PATH Intl. Standards and Accreditation Manual.

Windridge Staff, Volunteers, and Horses –

Windridge instructors are certified by the Professional Asso-ciation for Therapeutic Horsemanship International, (PATH Intl.). Windridge requires staff members to obtain two cer-tifications: • Therapeutic riding • Therapeutic drivingInstructors are responsible for weekly written lesson plans.

Windridge volunteers contributed more than 3,500 hours in service during 2010. Teachers, law enforcement officers, community leaders, high school and college students, busi-ness owners, and veterans are among the dedicated volun-teers.

Windridge has 24 highly trained horses of all breed types.

Licensed/Credential Health Professionals –

Discussions between the Veterans Administration and Windridge will need to take place before incorporating a licensed profes-sional. The licensed professional may either be incorporated in an advisory capacity, treatment session, or research project. Various criteria will need to be met if the licensed professional is involved in a treatment session or research project.A licensed/credential health professional is defined as; • Physical therapist (PT) • Occupational therapist (OT) • Speech therapist • Mental health care providerOther professionals may be involved in various capacities as the VA and Windridge choose to incorporate the following profes-sionals. • Registered Nurse (RN) • Recreational therapist (RT)The cost incurred by incorporating a licensed professional will be addressed as the program develops and needs are assessed.

Insurance Considerations –

Windridge’s programs are insured by Markel Insurance Company for program liability with a 3 million dollar general aggregate pol-icy: 1 million dollar products - completed/operations aggregate, 1 million dollar personal and advertising injury, and 1 million dollar each occurrence.Windridge cannot conduct third party reimbursement for services ren-dered unless the veteran participates in our hippotherapy program.

Windridge at a glance

• Founded in 1988

• Mission Statement: Our mission is to enhance the lives of children and adults with a cognitive or physical disability, or emotional special need and to make a positive difference in the lives of our volunteers, staff and horses.

• Purpose: To promote a healthy, rehabilitative, and productive life for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities or emotional special need through equine assisted activities and therapy programs.

• Type of Organization: Windridge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a premiere accredited member center of the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).

• Major Benefits of Therapeutic Horsemanship Programs: Improves muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development, emotional and psychological well-being.

• Primary Funding Sources: Individual contributions, civic organizations, founda- tions and corporate donations

• Organization Newsletter: TackRoom Tales is published five times each year.

• Executive Director/Head Instructor: Margo Dewkett

• Staff: PATH Intl. Therapeutic Riding and Driving Instructors

• Volunteers: Assist the staff in all daily activities. Windridge Contact Information

Phone: (903) 797-2414Fax Number: (903) 797-6972Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5932 ~ Longview, Texas 75608Physical Address: 593 Windridge Road ~ Gilmer, Texas 75645E-mail Address: windridgetx@aol.comWeb Site Address: www.windridgetexas.org

How Do i SIGN UP FOR CLASSES?

Contact Windridge

Call Windridge’s office (903.797.2414) and speak with Dawn, Executive Assistant. Dawn will set up a time for you to come and tour our facility and meet the staff and horses.

Evaluation and Rider Application

After you tour Windridge and you are still interested in participating in one of our thera-peutic horsemanship programs our Executive Assistant will fill out our Rider Evaluation form and give you a Rider Application. You will be asked to mail back your completed Rider Application to Windridge - P.O. Box 5932 - Longview, TX 75608. Upon receiving your application in the mail our Office Manager will call you to set up your class time.

What You Should Know Prior to Your First Class time

During your first visit at Windridge our Executive Assistant will try to cover all areas that will directly affect you while you are at Windridge. Prior to coming for your first visit think of anything that you may want to bring up during your meeting with our Executive Assistant. The following questions may help you consider topics to cover. • May my spouse and children participate in your programs? • How many weeks will I ride? • May I bring my service dog? • May I volunteer? • How will I pay for my classes? • May I meet the horse I will be riding? • Is there a waiting list? • How long will my class time be? • May I ride in a saddle with a seat belt so I can ride independently? • What should I wear?

Your Equestrian Team

Your Instructor

Windridge instructors are certified by the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horse-manship International (PATH Intl.) as Therapeutic Riding and Driving Instructors. Your instructor will outline our equine assisted activities and therapy programs mapping out a course for your equestrian skill progression. You will be directly involved in setting your lesson goals.

Volunteers

Over 3,500 hours were logged by volunteers during 2010. Windridge volunteers are extremely dedicated and passionate individuals who are teachers, law enforcement of-ficers, community leaders, high school and college students, area business owners, and veterans. After receiving the introductory training course volunteers continue learning and developing their skills to better support participants of Windridge’s equine assisted activites and therapies (EAAT). You may be working with one or more volunteers de-pending on your needs and skill progression.

Horses

Our staff is very selective when accepting horses into our program and highly skilled in equine training. Each horse is received as a donation and once a member of our equine herd the horse’s specialized training begins. Our horses learn to accept wheelchairs, walk-ers, and props as well as variations in mounting and dismounting techniques. The horses are schooled to work in many environments and under different types of situations.

Part of your lesson will be designated to caring for and preparing your horse for your classtime. After dismounting your horse at the end of class you will be responsible for untacking your horse and returning him or her back to their stall.

As weeks unfold you will be taught and encouraged to learn more about the care and training of the horses.

Windridge’s programsWindridge is a premier accredited center with the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and our programs meet necessary standards. The following descriptions highlight the programs you may choose to participate in, therapeutic riding, therapeutic driving, and hippotherapy or you may want to participate in a research project.

Therapeutic Riding

The Therapeutic Riding program provides an innovative and highly beneficial form of therapy incorporating exercise and life skills utilizing the beneficial movement of the horse while teaching riding skills. The horse’s movement manipulates a rider’s body to the finest degree as if the rider is walking. This movement produces weight bearing through limbs and joints, rotation of the pelvis, sensory stimulation, and strengthening and stretching of muscles. Program participants enjoy learning to care for their horse and interact with peers, volunteers, and instructors as they focus on an activity that is therapeutic while fostering self sufficiency and independence.

Windridge’s Therapeutic Riding program offers three equestrian skill levels and program participants will have the oppor-tunity to be directly involved in setting riding goals beginning with the first skill level. As equestrian skills are developed the rider may continue to choose the equestrian discipline and level he or she would like to improve their skills in. The three levels offered at Windridge are:

Novice Equestrian Equestrian knowledge and skills include: • Equine behavior • Basic equine anatomy • Handling the horse from the ground • Grooming the horse • General care of the horse • Origin of tack • Care of tack • Tacking and untacking the horse • Mounting and dismounting • Rider position • Guiding the horse • Riding at any of the horse’s gaits which include the walk, trot, canter, and/or pace. • Using apparatuses appropriate for the environment such as ground poles, cones, fallen logs, and trail ditches. • Riding in any of three environments which include the arena, fields, and trails. Advanced Equestrian A rider must pass an equestrian knowledge and skill level test to participate in this level. Advanced equestrian knowledge and skills will include: • Equine behavior • Equine anatomy • Equine ailments • Assisting with the medical care of a horse • Assisting the farrier • Equine facility designs and maintenance • Equine transportation • Lateral work • Obstacle courses

Equine Training A rider must pass an advanced equestrian skill level test to participate in the equine training level. Equine training knowledge and skills will include: • Equine behavior • Ground schooling • Schooling the horse for a therapeutic horsemanship program

Windridge Programs continued page 2

Therapeutic DrivingOur therapeutic driving program allows individuals to learn how to drive a horse drawn vehicle. Driving a horse drawn ve-hicle provides many physical benefits such as joint compression and system stimulation, which is vital to an inactive body.

As in the therapeutic riding program, participants will have the opportunity to work with their therapeutic driving instruc-tor in setting their driving goals and objectives. Two skill levels are offered in Windridge’s Therapeutic Driving Program, which are: Novice Driving Equestrian knowledge and skills include: • Equine behavior • Basic equine anatomy • Handling the horse from the ground • Grooming the horse • General care of the horse • Origin of harness • Care of harness • Harnessing and unharnessing the horse • Putting to the vehicle - unhitching the horse from the vehicle • Driver position • Driving the horse • Driving the horse at the walk and the trot • Using apparatuses appropriate for the environment such as ground poles, cones, trees, and trail ditches. • Driving in any of three environments which include the arena, fields, and trails. Advanced Driving A driver must pass an equestrian knowledge and skill level test to participate in this level. Advanced driving knowledge and skills will include: • Equine behavior • Equine anatomy • Equine ailments • Assisting with the medical care of a horse • Assisting the farrier • Equine facility designs and maintenance • Equine transportation • Obstacle courses

Hippotherapy

Using the horse as a dynamic therapy tool, the Hippotherapy program provides an alternative form of therapy implemented by licensed Physical, Occupational, or Speech therapists working in conjunction with NARHA Certified Instructors (Wind-ridge staff) to provide the maximum benefit possible to meet therapy goals. Many benefits of hippotherapy are the same as with therapeutic riding, except riding skills are not taught. Instead position changes and exercises are utilized to influence client progress.

It is proven through research that the horse takes approximately 3,000 steps in 30 minutes. This is 3,000 repetitions of a therapeutic movement a client receives which can not be duplicated in any other fashion off of the horse, (on their own, or by a machine). This rhythmic movement of the horse’s gait is used to influence the client’s posture, balance, coordination, mobility, and function. Windridge’s facility is equipped with a therapy room aiding Windridge’s therapists in providing necessary treatments in addition to the horse.

The individual who chooses to participate in the Hippotherapy program will work in conjunction with a therapist who is cer-

Windridge Programs continued page 3tified by the American Hippotherapy Association and a Windridge NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor. Therapy goals rather than equestrian skills will be focused on.

ResearchResearch has yet to be published on the effects of using the horse to facilitate therapeutic benefits with an injured man or woman in our armed services. It is believed by conducting research projects, we will maximize the benefit of both treatment and therapy strategies the Veteran’s Administration would prescribe for its clients. It is our goal to complete valid studies that quantifies these benefits and sets the stage for further, in-depth study of the functional gains that are made and their longevity utilizing the horse’s three dimensional therapeutic movement.

Individuals interested in promoting research in this area must make mention of this to Windridge’s office manager as the participant must not have ridden or driven prior to the research project.

Center’s Name

Address ~ Phone Number ~ E-mail Address ~ Page Number

Block Lesson Plan Session: Fall Winter Spring Summer Session Dates: ___________________ Rider’s Name: __________________________

Instructor’s Name: _________________________ Instructor’s certification level: __________________________________

Week of Class Week #1 Week #2 Week #3 Week #4 Week #5 Week #6

Dates

Horse

Leader

Sidewalker

Sidewalker

Spotter

Warm-Up

Exercise

Review

New Skill

School Figures

Activity

Cool Down

NOTES:

Center’s Name

Address ~ Phone Number ~ E-mail Address ~ Page Number

Block Lesson Plan – Session: Fall Winter Spring Summer Session Dates: Instructor’s Name & Certification

Rider’s Name:

Area Setup

Gate

Week One (dates: ) Assessment

Area Setup

Gate

Week Two (dates: ) Assessment

Area Setup

Gate

Week Three (dates: ) Assessment

Area Setup

Gate

Week Four (dates: ) Assessment

Area Setup

Gate

Week Five (dates: ) Assessment

Area Setup

Gate

Week Six (dates: ) Assessment