EST-3117 Therapeutic Riding Instruction I
This two-semester course will introduce students to the history, background, and practice of therapeutic riding. The first semester will review basic human physiology, learning theories, human development, and social and psychological development. Each area will be explored in the context of those disabling conditions most commonly countered in the therapeutic riding arena, and in discussion of relevant teaching techniques to safely and effectively support participant goals and needs. Students will research in depth one or more disabling conditions and make classroom presentations on the subject. Throughout the semester, students will spend time in a hands-on therapeutic riding situation. The second semester will introduce students to the experience of assisting in therapeutic riding lessons. Students also will learn techniques of adapting equestrian knowledge for individuals with disabilities, selection and training of therapeutic horses, care and management of volunteers and, in general, what it takes to be a therapeutic riding instructor. In the second semester, students will also engage in targeted test preparation for the Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) written exam. Classes will be conducted at the Equestrian Center.