The
Horses
Initially, the horses for the program were donated
from our farm, Rainbow Stables. As time went on, others were donated
from private owners, purchased, or adopted from the Ontario Standardbred
Adoption Society.
The Therapy Horse must be patient, sound in wind and limb, quiet
and have good confirmation. They are trained to the aids like any
school or show horse. They can be of any size, breed, sex or age
although some breeds have better quality gaits than others. This
is especially necessary for hippotherapy. Older horses have more
experience than younger ones, although they all have to be introduced
to special equipment, both the rider’s as well as those used for
classes. Eg. Wheelchairs, crutches, beanbags, balls, barrels, poles,
flags, swords etc. The length of training depends on the horse and
his level of fitness and the duties he will be performing. Our horses
vary in age from 6 years to 23 years of age. We have 2 small ponies,
2 large ponies, 1 mule and 5 horses available to our program, all
at various stages of training. They have all attended horse shows
both with volunteers and with our riders with disabilities, in local,
regional and provincial shows and Fall Fairs. They have participated
in parades and local events such as Summerfest and Sportsman Show,
giving demonstrations and/or pony rides and pictures to raise money
and public awareness for the program.
Our horses are kept under
natural boarding conditions. This includes turnout 24 hours a day,
7 days a week, in a herd situation all year long. They have plenty
of pasture in summer, and hay in winter, with large wooded areas
and run-in sheds for protection from the elements. They each have
a stall in the barn where they receive their daily grain and vitamins,
and enjoy the company of their human companions. They are also kept
barefoot for optimal hoof health.
Training
& Schooling
Our therapy horses
receive many hours of extensive training and schooling by our
nationally certified coach. This includes their ground work such as
lunging, leading, becoming accustomed to our riders’ assistant
devices, games equipment, trail riding and showing. They are trained
for both English and Western disciplines, as well as for driving.
Some of our horses have been in our program for over 10 years, and
their value increases as their training continues.
