We are proud to present a comprehensive introductory study course for persons wishing to become Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructors, and or those who wish to gain and expand their knowledge of the field. Core instructors are Saunders Dixon and Meghan Lyons.
Choose between the Certificate of Completion or the Certificate to Teach.
The next course runs from October ‘08 through May ‘09.
The 2006-2007 syllabus is here.
Thorncroft, The Course and The Opportunity.
The course is designed to give riding instructors an overview of the skills and knowledge needed to safely and productively teach riders with disabilities. For those not teaching, the course will give an extensive overview of therapeutic horseback riding.
Participants will work in the class room, hands on in the barn and arena. Apprenticeship in stable management and the opportunity to experience first hand over 25 disabilities (physical, emotional and mental) will be a part of the agenda. Guest speakers will present lectures on the Farm.
THORNCROFT EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Presents
The 22nd Annual Instructors Course
Introducing 2 Tracks:
“Certificate to Teach” &“Certificate of Completion”
October 4, 2006 - June 6, 2007
******
Under the Instructor Team of
Saunders Dixon, Founder Thorncroft Equestrian Center
Meghan Lyons, Thorncroft Instructor & Level 1 Centered Riding®
******
Following is the new format and partial line up of professionals in the
fields of Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy, Psychology
and Classical Horsemanship being presented.
Kathy Kelly, Lil Lack & Barbara Strawson
Sports Psychology, Goal Setting & Yoga
Judy Cross-Strehlke, Centered Riding® Level IV
& NARHA Master
Centered Riding® Level I Basic
Terrill K. Long M.P.T.
Physical Therapy and the horse
Barbara Heine, Germany
Horsemanship in motion
Brenda Finucane, Genetics
How genetics apply to disabilities
Pat Taynton - Assessment Specialist
Conformation and movement of the horse
Taryn Bath, Occupational Therapist
Physical Recovery with the Horse
Marietta Schulz, Germany
Autism and Horsemanship
Carol Gillis,Ph.D.
Mental Health and Horsemanship
Wendy Murdoch, Level IV Centered Riding®
“The Murdoch Method”
Doreen Guthrie, BHSAI
Mounted Sessions - Classical Horsemanship
Participate in field trips to local therapeutic programs. Your year will
be spent in the classroom, the riding arena and stable area... this is a
hands on experience. Discover 37 years of experience exploring
the bond between horses and people of all abilities.
Some of the topics to be explored are:
- the horse as a healer
- what is a therapeutic environment
- normal growth, development of the child
- physical, developmental and emotional disabilities
- adaptive equipment for riders
- the movement of the horse and how it affects the rider
- selection and training of horses
- the treatment team of instructor, therapist and volunteer
- choosing goals and lesson planning
- techniques and skill development
- alternative equine-facilitated therapies: driving, team sports
- competition opportunities for riders with disabilities
- insurance and liability
"The need is now. The only way we can reach more students, is by teaching
more instructors to reach those students. To offer an avenue for further education, and to open even further the minds of those who can in turn reach those in need."
"The atmosphere at Thorncroft is different; each week 350 students pass through the doors and still there is an amazing feeling of peace, of healing. It is impressive that everyone is treated with the same kindness and respect, no matter what their ability."
Over thirty years ago, Jennifer Bream came to the United States from England, searching for a program that was futuristic...a riding program where she could share her years of knowledge and experience in Therapeutic Horseback Riding.
At Thorncroft she found not only the facility, but the energy and open minds to put her plans into action. With the help of the University of Pennsylvania, a hand full of dedicated instructors and volunteers - one of the largest and oldest therapeutic riding programs was launched.
To Participate we encourage not only those who wish to teach therapeutic horseback riding to participate, but anyone who has a desire to learn more about the field.
This is a limited opportunity for practicing riding instructors to take an exciting and innovative therapy back to their existing environments to share; for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and those interested in broadening their knowledge of the field to learn from those with years of hands on experience.
Thorncroft Founder and Director Saunders Dixon and Thorncroft Instructor/Centered Riding ® Instructor Meghan Lyons are the foundation for an innovative course in therapeutic horseback riding.
Course Requirements, Examination and Certification Process
Thorncroft is pleased to offer two tracks for the 2006-2007 Instructor’s Course:
You may choose which track you are working towards prior to the start of the class; the Certificate of Completion or the Certificate to Teach. Please review the Registration Information for details. The full student syllabus is available on this site. Completed Registration is due by August 30th.
Weekly classroom sessions will take place at Thorncroft Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm - 9:00pm and some additional weekends. Additional hours will be required co-teaching with Thorncroft Instructors, in the stable area, in addition to projects outside of class and weekly reading assignments.
Evening and weekend guest lectures will be coordinated with the class. Participants will receive a pre-course assessment of skill level prior to the start of the course.
Thorncroft is a member of:
- The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
- The Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship
- The Riding for the Disabled Association.
For more information contact:
Thorncroft Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc.
190 Line Road
Malvern, PA 19355
(610)644-1963 Fax (610)644-9342
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