Equine assisted activities are used to develop life skills and reach personal goals. Scroll down for further information.
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is fast becoming a popular therapy in Australia and around the world. AAT is a goal directed intervention provided by a registered health professional with specific expertise, to maximise participation and promote functional improvement. AAT fits under the umbrella of Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI). AAI intentionally incorporates animals in therapy settings to facilitate improved health and wellness. Many animals are involved in AAI including dogs and horses.
Occupational Therapists can adopt AAT to encourage their clients to participate in meaningful activities and improve quality of life. For example, how to care for others through occupation-based activities such as grooming and feeding. Interventions are carefully planned to meet individual physical, cognitive and psycho-social goals.
Progress Therapy Services utilises horses in their therapy programs to meet individual goals and increase participation in meaningful activities.
Studies demonstrate the importance of using real-life tasks for motor training. For example, people with a brain injury produced more movement and improved co-ordination when engaged in meaningful activities.
A natural setting also helps clients better engage in therapy. The bottom line is that people do better when they are enjoying what they are doing.
Progress Therapy Services use their own horses to provide Equine Therapy. See Our Horses page below. Sessions are provided at Progress Farm in Maryborough West.
Firstly, the OT must complete an initial assessment to check if Equine Therapy is suitable for the individual client. In some cases, a medical clearance may be required. Then programs can begin. Programs are typically once or twice a week for 4 to 8 weeks depending on the individual needs. Our equine therapy sessions do not involve riding a horse. Programs include off-horse activities such as grooming, leading and feeding the horses.
Macca is a 9 year old purebred Clydesdale gelding. He is curious and sensitive. His favourite food is peanuts and his least favorite thing is wearing sunscreen.
Merlin is the youngest member of the herd at only 12 months old. He is a Clydesdale cross. He is very smoochy and gets tired easily.
Reg is an 11 year old Standardbred gelding. He is soft and kind. He enjoys spending time with his friends and is the leader of the herd. He also loves swimming in the dam.
Gus is a 5 year old miniature horse. He is playful, cheeky and lots of fun. He loves playing with his friends.
Beau is a 16 year old stock horse gelding. He is the newest member of the herd. He is sensitive but kind.
Buddy is a 13 year old Quarter Horse X Thoroughbred. He looks after Merlin in the paddock.