Abstract
Equine assisted therapy can include many other types of therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, as well as mental, emotional, and behavioral assistance. Riding a horse has been shown to improve coordination, gait, and increase head and trunk control in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The horse's smooth, natural gait can help provide a rhythmic and repetitive pattern similar to a human’s natural gait, allowing those who are wheelchair bound to feel the movement of walking. The calming presence of a horse can reduce the feeling of anxiety for many individuals such as veterans struggling with the effects of PTSD. Ride on Center for Kids (ROCK), in Georgetown, Texas, is an equine assisted therapy center, whose goal is to help those with any disability learn to ride and feel the calming presence of horses. PURPOSE: To identify and quantify the mission statement and values of the ROCK, equine therapy center. ROCK’s mission statement is to improve independence and life skills in partnership with the horse. METHODS: Ten survey questions assessing the mission statement were designed with the owner of ROCK. The questionnaire consisted of multiple choice and open-ended responses aimed to identify aspects of improvement in accordance with the mission statement regarding independence and life skills. The survey was distributed by ROCK to the participants via email. Reminder emails were sent every other week to encourage completion. RESULTS: Eleven participants completed the survey over the course of 4 weeks. Improvements in core strength (45%), trunk control (18%) and sitting balance (18%) were recorded. Participants also reported to have experienced an increase in focus attention (55%), level of toleration during transitions (46%) and decreased anxiety (36%). While 91% reported to have seen an improvement in activities of daily living that improved their level of independence. Happiness (46%) and peacefulness (27%) were the two most commonly chosen words in relation to the connection felt to the horse during sessions. CONCLUSION: For many participants that attend ROCK, the goal they wish to achieve is the feeling of independence in the skills that many of us take for granted in a normal day. Results from this initial survey indicate that participants have experienced improvement in one or more life skills since beginning therapy at ROCK. Engagement with horses may not be considered a traditional form of therapy however, their grand stature and calm demeanor enable them to provide a depth of healing that words cannot reach.
Recommended Citation
Guinn, Gabriella and Mikan, Vanessa PhD
(2025)
"ROCK: The Mission Statement,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
17, Article 186.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss17/186
