WEEKLY RIDING THERAPY SESSIONS

These sessions are for local children between 2 and 12 years of age with a variety of special needs.

What are Weekly Riding Therapy sessions?

They are sessions of varying length held once a week for groups of up to four children - or in some cases for individuals - where the child's condition is assisted to improve through mounted work either on a sheepskin or a saddle. On a sheepskin there is little restriction to movement so that a child can have the maximum opportunity to suit his or her needs. They learn to manoeuvre themselves into and out of different positions while accommodating their balance to the pony's movements. Through their enjoyment they enter into new experiences and development with minimal persuasion.

Progressing to a saddle, children experience feelings of 'normality' that may have been unfelt previously as they begin to learn a popular sport.

Each child works with a voluntary helper under the supervision of the FCRT staff. Thus in the same session one child can learn to use reins, while another may need two helpers to be able to maintain balance. Children benefit from the necessary discipline, respond to requests, converse with 'their' helper, overcome fear and learn to trust helpers and ponies, thus ensuring an increase in self confidence and self-esteem rightly earned.

Who are the therapists? The session is organised by an experienced Riding Instructor or The FCRT Physiotherapist who also coordinates the weekly Riding Therapy sessions. There is also a team of reliable volunteers who work either with the individual children or as pony leaders.

Where, how and when? Children are brought either by their parents from home Saturday morning sessions) or a number of local schools transport groups in school hours by mini-bus.  The sessions take place at The Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy's Wootton Hall Farm location. This facility is available in term time only.

How can my child qualify for a place? Children are usually accepted for sessions over a period of two years. They may be selected to come from one of the schools who have a weekly slot or you may make direct contact if you are seeking a Saturday place.

The initial ride will take the form of an assessment at which time you will have the chance to discuss the aims of Riding Therapy for the child and we will have the chance to tell you whether or not we feel that what we can offer is likely to be beneficial. No child is ever mounted until a medical form has been completed and signed by a Doctor stating that he/she is agreeable to their participating.

What equipment will my child need?  Riding hats conforming to British Safety Standards are provided by The FCRT. Those children providing their own must have their equipment constantly checked to ensure that it meets current safety requirements. Children should wear loose fitting clothing to allow ease of movement. Tracksuits are recommended. For those riding on saddles and therefore using stirrups, shoes with a low heel must be worn for safety. Skirts or shorts are not suitable for riding as they can cause sores.

 What will it cost? A contribution towards the running costs, ie., staffing, keep of the ponies, maintenance of facilities etc. is covered by the minimum donation of £4.00 per child per session.

 How will I know about the progress my child is making? Parents are very welcome to watch sessions in progress. They are asked to refrain from distracting children when they are mounted. It is important in order to benefit from the session that a child listens only to the personnel in charge. Progress reports are available on request.

Coordination between pony and physiotherapist transfers itself easily here to the child receiving equine assisted therapy -  and a great deal of enjoyment at the same time.