Equestrian Program Support
The Black Mountain Center Foundation is proud to offer our support for the Equestrian Program at BMNTC. The program provides therapeutic opportunities to the residents of BMNTC through riding and pull-cart providing habilitative therapy services.
Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, is a treatment that includes equine activities or an equine environment to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in persons with anxiety, autism, cerebral palsy, dementia, depression, developmental delay, genetic syndromes (such as Down syndrome), traumatic brain injuries, behavioral issues, abuse issues, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health problems. Since the horses have similar behaviors with humans, such as social and responsive behaviors, it is easy for the patients to create a connection with the horse.
Equestrian Program Specifics
BMNTC’s Equestrian Program is funded almost entirely by the Black Mountain Center Foundation. The seasonal program operates several days weekly from May through September each year as weather permits.
Have Horse, Will Travel..
The horses that visit and spend therapeutic time with the residents of BMNTC come from nearby Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, NC. Each scheduled trip is an opportunity for continued connections.
and then there’s more..
Horses are not the only animals that participate in the Equestrian Program at BMNTC. The Equestrian Program has also utilized other therapy animals, including donkeys, to aid in adaptive cart rides providing a more deliberate pace on the designated campus route.
The Therapeutic Benefits of the Equestrian Program
Equine therapy can involve more than just riding the horse. In some sessions, a client might not even touch the horse at all. Often the health professional leading the session will set goals for the client to complete, such as leading the horse to a designated area or path. The resident will complete the task to the best of their ability. Not only is there communication between the rider and the instructor, but also between the rider and the horse.
Equine therapy can also be based on working with a subspecies of the horse such as donkeys, in a therapy called onotherapy. Donkeys are social animals and gentle by nature which makes them great alternatives.
Help Us Continue to Provide the Equestrian Program..
As noted, the Equestrian Program is fully supported by the Black Mountain Center Foundation and through the generosity of donors like you! This program provides tremendous benefits to the residents of BMNTC resulting in many positive outcomes, including:
- Participants are happier and more social.
- Residents, caregivers, and family members all benefit from a calmer, more supportive social environment.