Bama Equine Assisted Therapy BEAT

B.E.A.T. Bama Equine Assisted Therapy, Inc.: 

1/10/2012 1 B.E.A.T. Bama Equine Assisted Therapy, Inc. Offering Physical, Occupational, Speech, and Psychological Therapy to Adults, Adolescents and Children in Tuscaloosa and surrounding communities.

Preparing for a Session: 

Preparing for a Session

Pictures from Therapy Sessions: 

Pictures from Therapy Sessions

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are used to achieve physical goals, as well as psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication outcomes. Hippotherapy and Equine Assisted Therapy

Key features of Hippotherapy and Equine Assisted Therapies: 

Key features of Hippotherapy and Equine Assisted Therapies Coordinated by a health care professional – PT, OT, SLP Goals, objectives, and activities are specifically designed for each client. Regular evaluations are performed according to discipline of coordinator Progress is measured and documented

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Hippotherapy is utilized as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. The patient engages in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging.

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physical therapists occupational therapists speech‑language pathologists psychiatrists psychologists physicians nurses Rehabilitation specialists Uses Licensed and credentialed professionals

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Types of Therapy Offered

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person with cerebral palsy is placed astride the horse to encourage trunk control and posture Physical Therapy

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child with hypotonia is placed on the horse and asked to grab small rings handed to him/her by sidewalker Occupational Therapy

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autistic child must communicate with the horse (verbalizations, words, signs, AAC) to get the horse to do something such as “go,” “stop.” Speech/Language Therapy

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Patient must communicate effectively with the horse and with other patients to achieve specific goals. Self esteem and mood changes are associated with time spent on a moving horse. Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)

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Patient must complete certain academic tasks and achieve specific educational goals. It is used extensively with ADD and ADHD students to facilitate concentration on academic tasks. Educational Therapy

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These are the TEAM MEMBERS

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The therapist is responsible for the treatment session. The horse expert controls the horse during the treatment session. Side walkers insure the safety of the patient. The Patient, who works hardest of all .

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Children and adults referred by a physician for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy Must be aware of the precautions & contraindications

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Many Disorders and Diagnoses can be helped by using Hippotherapy and Equine Facilitated Therapies.

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Developmental Language Disorder Sensory Integrative Disorder Pervasive Developmental Delay, Autism Traumatic Brain Injury Down Syndrome Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Vascular Accident Multiple Sclerosis Functional Spinal Curvature Degenerative Motor Diseases & Dementia Mood Disorders Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Schizophrenia Conduct Disorders

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WHY THE HORSE?

BECAUSE: 

BECAUSE The horse’s walk provides dynamic sensory input through movement, which is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive .

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The resultant movement responses in the patient are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking.

Equine Movement - Walk: 

Equine Movement - Walk Four beat, rhythmic gait with varying tempo. Symmetrical, reciprocal, dynamic and variable. Foundation gait for hippotherapy.

Equine Movement - Trot: 

Equine Movement - Trot Two beat, rhythmic gait, faster than the walk. Swinging forward movement with increased vertical displacement of the center of gravity. Occasionally used in hippotherapy.

Equine Movement - Canter: 

Equine Movement - Canter Three beat gait Left hind + right front Left front Faster than a trot Not typically used for hippotherapy May be used for EAA

Equine Movement - Gallop: 

Equine Movement - Gallop Four beat gait All legs off the ground at one point Very fast Not used at all during hippotherapy or therapeutic riding

Equine Movement - Rack: 

Equine Movement - Rack A gait unique to Walking, Racking and Saddlebred horses. It is a four beat gait like the walk, but the horse can move at faster speeds, enabling the patient to have the experience of speed at a safe, smooth gait.

Human Movement Pattern during the Walk: 

Human Movement Pattern during the Walk Adult gait varies from 17 ‑ 120 steps per minute. A typical adult walking pace might be 105 steps per minute covering three miles per hour.

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Children have the same number of steps with a shorter stride length.

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is 120 steps per minute and covers three and one‑half miles per hour. MILITARY CADENCE

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A person with a physical disability would likely have a walking rate that is significantly slower.

Predators and Prey: 

Predators and Prey Unlike the horse, humans are predators. Horses typically are preyed upon. Therefore, in order to work together successfully, humans must learn to become more gentle in their actions.

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Interaction with horses affects people on several levels. The horse, like the human, is a herd animal. The horse instinctively knows that despite how big or strong it is, it cannot survive long without the herd. Humans, also must depend on other humans for jobs, food, clothing, medical care, and other necessities of life.

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People and animals use similar non-verbal cues to communicate their wants and needs. Therefore, it is only a short leap for humans and horses to be able to communicate effectively with one another.

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There is something profound about the willingnessThere is something profound about the willingness of such a powerful animal to submit to the wishes of a relatively small human. This willingness affects most humans in a positive way. of such a powerful animal to submit to the wishes of a relatively small human. This willingness affects most humans in a positive way.

HATTIE : 

HATTIE is a retired police horse whose large girth, low withers, smooth gait and unflappable personality make her a favorite.

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is a racking horse. He retired from the show circuit and has a four beat gait that can carry patients from a slow to a fast speed smoothly. His relatively steep withers and narrow girth accommodate physically challenged riders easily. COCO

ANGEL: 

ANGEL Angel is Clydesdale. She is gentle as a lamb, and is large and sturdy enough to carry both the patient and therapist. This is extremely helpful in physical and occupational therapies.

SENA: 

SENA is a 30 year old campaigner who has a steady manner that is calming and reassuring.

ROSEMARY: 

ROSEMARY is a five gaited saddlebred mare whose smooth gait allows patients the experience of speed with a smooth ride.

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fondly known as “knothead” is a favorite with adolescents. He is large enough to carry a heavier client, and yet challenging enough to stimulate the interest of the most bored teen. SNICKERS

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is a quarter horse who can walk slowly when needed but can also take patients at faster gaits . DUCHESS

SAINT PADDY: 

SAINT PADDY 4 year old Haflinger gelding Trained specifically for participation in an EAT/HPOT program Approx.14 hands, can carry weight Nice smooth walk Loves attention

HONEY: 

HONEY 4 year old Haflinger mare Raised and trained with Saint Paddy Loves to be brushed and cared for Approx 14.2 hands

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is a rescued Arabian who is particularly good for younger clients. She has low withers and is wide backed, making her easy for youngsters to sit. AURORA

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A typical individual psychotherapy session involves a licensed psychologist and a horse specialist working as a team with an individual client.

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These sessions usually take place in a round pen, stall or barn. The client learns to communicate with the horse, reading subtle cues and using appropriate body language to guide the horse through a series of mauevers.

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A typical group session involves clients who work together to direct the horse through certain obstacles.

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By observing the group dynamics, the therapist and horse specialist see who takes control, which becomes frustrated, and how they handle the frustration. Larger issues of the clients’ behaviors at home, school or work are reflected in the group as well.

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Through riding and other associated equine activities, clients encounter specially designed interactive experiences to encourage critical thinking and problem solving; and promote psychosocial healing and growth.

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Clients often interact with each other during therapeutic activities such as relays or “follow the leader” games. Valuable communication, cooperation and problem-solving skills are fostered.

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Integration of sensory information used to promote postural response relates to activities in the ring. -- The rider uses sensory information to prepare for and accommodate to changes in displacements produced when the horse steps over ground poles. -- The walker accommodates the changes encountered on uneven terrain.

Brain Wave Changes: 

Brain Wave Changes Research suggests the rhythmic motion associated with riding the horse can actually change brain wave patterns, resulting in behavior change.

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Session length is dependent on the endurance of the client, but generally lasts about 30-45 minutes on the horse. Warm-up therapy activities may precede the session. Follow-up may include meaningful activities off the horse to help generalize the skills.

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Patients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable experience in a natural setting. Improved attention and motivation is often observed.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?: 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Improves self-esteem and self-awareness Develops trust Social skills training Sensory stimulation and integration Combines body awareness with motor planning and verbal communication Develops choice-making and goal-setting skills Encourages responsibility Promotes pro-social attitudes through care-giving experiences

Program Director, Dr. Beth Macauley, CCC-SLP: 

Program Director, Dr. Beth Macauley, CCC-SLP Provider of equine-assisted therapy and hippotherapy since 1985 Certified Speech-Language Pathologist since 1990, Licensed in The state of Alabama Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Communicative Disorders, The University of Alabama Member of the Board of Directors, American Hippotherapy Association International speaker on equine-assisted therapy and hippotherapy

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Member, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Health & Education Committee Member, Member of the Board of Directors, approved teaching faculty, & registered therapist, American Hippotherapy Association Member Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association

Marguerite D. Malone, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist: 

Marguerite D. Malone, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Malone has a lifetime of experience with horses, as well as extensive experience with both inpatient and outpatient individual, group and family psychotherapy. She has managed a successful private practice since 1989 .

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Member American Psychological Association North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association

Good Office Staff is Essential: 

Good Office Staff is Essential

So are the VOLUNTEERS: 

So are the VOLUNTEERS The therapy programs rely on a committed group of volunteers who work with clients, serve as sidewalkers, handle the horses and keep the facility in good repair. Without these dedicated folks, the program could not survive.

B.E.A.T.’s Future: 

B.E.A.T.’s Future Establish 501c3 Foundation Offer all therapies year round Establish riding academy for the disabled Become a national educational and training center for EAT & HPOT Offer workshops and seminars

B.E.A.T.’s Needs: 

B.E.A.T.’s Needs Covered, lighted arena – PRIORITY! Scholarships Physical facilities maintenance Equipment Donations to cover therapy horse expenses