Our
program is designed to help special needs people, including those with with ADD, ADHD, Autism,
Multiple Sclerosis, Depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTS).
Equine-assisted therapy is a mystery but we know that the horses help people
work through sadness, grief, fear, and uncertainty, teaching us to respect
boundaries and develop self control.
Throughout the world, horseback riding is considered a uniquely beneficial
form of therapy for people with disabilities. A horse's gait, similar to the
human walk, helps strengthen spine and pelvic muscles, improves posture and
coordination, and increases joint mobility. Along with the physical
therapeutic benefits, horseback riding gives the riders a feeling of
control, a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem. Therapeutic
Riding, is the use of horse and equine-oriented activities to achieve a
variety of therapeutic goals, including cognitive, physical, emotional,
social, educational and behavioral goals.
Horseback riding for the challenged is recognized as one of the more
progressive forms of therapy. The ability to control a horse as well as
one's own body inspires self-confidence, responsibility and teamwork. Best
of all, it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, which creates a special
relationship between rider and horse and promotes personal challenge. From
the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination and self-assurance while
receiving therapeutic muscle stimulation. As a result of lessons, poise,
posture, strength and flexibility improve.
About the
Instructor:
Rosemary Taylor
Rosemary
Taylor, Chief riding instructor of Sunburst Farm, has been involved with
horses for most of her life.
She is an accredited equine instructor in both the United States and
Britain.
Rosemary has over 20 years experience in the performance show horse and
education industry.
She lives on the farm and personally oversees the care for each horse
daily.
Memberships and Professional Affiliations:
Board of Directors, Kentucky Horse Council
Kentucky Horse Council
American Riding Instructors Association
Specializing in dressage; also available
for Hunt Seat
Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced
British Horse Society Instructor
Member, EFMHA (Equine Facilitated Mental
Health)
Member, NARHA (North American Riding for
Handicap Association)
Member, EGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and
Learning Association
Member, AHA (American Hippotherapy
Association)
Member, Kentucky Hunter Jumper Association
Member, United States Dressage Federation
Member, The United States Equestrian
Federation (Formerly known as AHSA)
Member, Arabian Horse Association
Member, Linda Tellington-Jones TTouch/ TTeam
Clinician
Member, Equine Chiropractic Methods CAC
Level II
About our Facility:
Our farm
is a quiet, clean, safe, and private environment. We have:
Two Training rings
Jumping arena
Dressage arena
Long trot area
Open riding areas
The number of horses on the farm is
limited, based on available pasture and shelter to ensure each horse's
needs are met.
When riders groom their horses before a
trail ride, they learn tactile communication skills later explored in
group or individual sessions.
