How does one become a rider in CTRH’s programs?
Riders must be at least 2.5 years old to participate in hippotherapy and at least 5 years old to participate in adaptive recreational riding. There is no maximum age restrictions. It is required that participants have a need for our specialized, therapeutic environment.
- Complete the Rider Information and Consent Form and Medical Form and submit them via fax to 844-716-2708 (secure fax) or mail to CTRH.
- Once we have received your completed forms we will contact you to schedule a pre-enrollment visit. A pre-enrollment visit helps us ensure that we can safely accommodate you in our program, recommend the proper class, develop therapeutic goals and create good rider/volunteer/horse teams. Not everyone can be accepted into the program due to safety or physical / medical contraindications.
- Upon acceptance into the program, you may register for classes.
What is the difference between Adaptive Recreational Riding and Hippotherapy?
Adaptive Recreational Riding is taught in group riding lessons by instructors certified by PATH, Intl. Each rider has a volunteer horse leader and up to two volunteer side walkers. Riders with varying types and degrees of disabilities can be as young as four years old and continue through adulthood. The weight limit for riders in recreational riding is 175 pounds. The rider participates in grooming the horse, tacking the horse, mounting, exercises on horseback, an activity related to a skill which is used in a game on horseback, dismounting, untacking, and putting the saddle and saddle pads away. We take full advantage of the work around the horse as a multi-sensory experience.
Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy in which the movement of the horse is utilized by specially trained, certified occupational therapists and physical therapists to address a variety of impairments and limitations with the goal of achieving functional outcomes. Hippotherapy is used with children as young as two and a half years old. Working one-on-one with the rider/patient, the therapist modifies the horse’s movement, thus providing the child with varied physical and sensory input. Volunteers assist as horse leader and side-walker for each rider. Specific riding skills are not taught as they are in adaptive recreational horseback riding, but rather the horse’s movement facilitates active responses and engagement of the child which are intended to affect function. This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities.
Do riders need to wear anything specific?
Riders must wear closed toe shoes and long pants. Riding helmets are also required, and are provided by CTRH.
If I want to visit CTRH do I need to make an appointment?
YES! We do prefer that a site visit be scheduled in advance, which allows us to arrange for one of our staff members to be available to escort you safely around the property and answer all of your questions. All visitors, riders and volunteers must enter through the offices main door . Please do not enter through the barn area.
Will insurance cover CTRH’s fees?
CTRH does not bill to insurance companies. We are happy to provide any paperwork you need to file a claim.
Who do I contact for funding assistance?
CTRH recommends contacting your county’s Board of Developmental Disabilities. We have a working relationship with all surrounding counties (Clermont, Hamilton, Butler, Warren). If your caseworker is unfamiliar with our services please ask them to call the office at (513) 831-7050.
What if my rider is sick and cannot attend class?
Rider should be fever and vomit free for 24 hours before returning to class. We require 24 hours notice of an absence to receive a credit. Credits for excused absences will be applied to the next session or refunded upon request. If notification of absence are not received 24 hours in advance, the absence is unexcused and not eligible for credit.
Makeup sessions for excused absences are based on availability and on Instructor or Therapist approval.
What if we are running late for class?
If you are running a few minutes late, please call the barn at (513) 831-7050. Riders arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be allowed to participate in class, and it will be counted as an unexcused absence.
Weather Cancellations
CTRH follows the Milford Exempted School District cancellation policy for winter weather. If Milford is closed, we are closed and no classes will be held that day.
Other weather conditions will also cancel riding: extremely cold temperatures, excessive heat and humidity, thunderstorms or severe weather in the area, high wind warnings and snow sliding off the roof.
Riders will be notified by:
1. Phone Call / Voicemail
2. Email if phone contact is unsuccessful
3. Facebook Posting
What methods of payment do you accept?
Payment for Session Fees can be made with cash, check or credit cards via Square invoicing. If paying by credit card a 5% surcharge will be added to the total.