Therapeutic Horsemanship

Adaptive Therapeutic Horsemanship

Reap great rewards in a safe and encouraging place.

Therapeutic Horsemanship is ideal for people who are challenged by physical, cognitive, or social conditions. Whether it's ground based Horse Assisted Learning or Therapeutic Vaulting, the classes help participants experience the healing power of horses. It is a safe and supportive atmosphere where students progress at their own pace.

In response to COVID-19, staff will follow recommendations from the CDC including but not limited to: frequent sanitizing of equipment, social distancing, and wearing face masks when appropriate distancing is not possible. Staff and campers will complete a daily health screening.

Adaptive Therapeutic Vaulting and Riding Lessons

Adaptive Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic Riding lessons help people to improve riding abilities, grow in life skills, and strengthen relationships. English and Western riding are tailored for therapeutic benefit and includes ground instruction, safe horse handling, horse psychology, care and training. No prior experience needed.

Adaptive Therapeutic Vaulting

Therapeutic Vaulting lessons help participants develop their balance, strength, and flexibility while gaining personal confidence. In this safe and supportive atmosphere, participants progress at their own pace where individualized attention will reap the greatest rewards. Caregivers/guardians may assist as side walkers if needed.

2022 Pricing and Calendar

Winter Session: January 24 – February 20

Spring Session: March 12 – May 20

Summer Session: No summer sessions

Fall Session: September 12 - November 20

Concussion Policy

Infection Control Plan (PDF)

Winter Adaptive Therapeutic Riding Session

Winter Therapeutic Riding or Vaulting Session

January 24 – February 20, 2022

Session	Day	Time	Class Size	Cost
Therapeutic Riding	Monday	1:00-2:00pm	Up to 4 participants	$200 (session)
Therapeutic Riding	Monday	3:00-4:00pm	Up to 4 participants	$200 (session)
Therapeutic Riding	Wednesday	4:30-5:30pm	Up to 4 participants	$200 (session)
Therapeutic Vaulting	Wednesday	6:00-7:00pm	Up to 4 participants	$200 (session)
Therapeutic Vaulting	Thursday	11:00-12:00pm	Up to 4 participants	$200 (session)

Infection Control Plan

Concussion Policy

Application

Warm Beach Camp provides sanitized helmets; however, riders are encouraged to bring their own ASTM/SEI approved helmets.

Masks are required. Limited supply is available for purchase of $10 each.

Class placements will be finalized before the session begins. Enrollment for each session will be accepted up until the first day of class (subject to availability).

Pre-authorization required before participant can officially enroll in a class, to make sure we can accommodate your needs. See Registration and Eligibility Requirements

Spring Adaptive Therapeutic Riding or Vaulting Session

Spring Therapeutic Riding or Vaulting Session

March 12 - May 20, 2022 (No Lessons April 4-10) | 9 weeks

Session	Day	Time	Class Size	Cost
Therapeutic Riding	Mondays	1:00-2:00pm 3:00-4:00pm	Up to 4 participants	$450 (session) $450 (session)
Therapeutic Riding	Wednesdays	4:30-5:30pm	Up to 4 participants	$450 (session)
Therapeutic Riding	Thursdays	11:00am-12:00pm	Up to 4 participants	$450 (session)
Therapeutic Vaulting	Wednesdays	3:00-4:00pm	Up to 4 participants	$450 (session)

Infection Control Plan

Concussion Policy

Application

Warm Beach Camp provides sanitized helmets; however, riders are encouraged to bring their own ASTM/SEI approved helmets.

Masks are required. Limited supply is available for purchase of $10 each.

Class placements will be finalized before the session begins. Enrollment for each session will be accepted up until the first day of class (subject to availability).

Pre-authorization required before participant can officially enroll in a class, to make sure we can accommodate your needs. See Registration and Eligibility Requirements

Summer Adaptive Therapeutic Riding Lessons

Summer Adaptive Therapeutic Riding

Dates: No summer sessions in 2022

SESSION	DAY	TIME	CLASS SIZE	COST
n/a

Application

Warm Beach Camp provides sanitized helmets; however, riders are encouraged to bring their own ASTM/SEI approved helmets.

Masks are required. Limited supply is available for purchase of $10 each.

Class placements will be finalized before the session begins. Enrollment for each session will be accepted up until the first day of class (subject to availability).

Pre-authorization required before participant can officially enroll in a class, to make sure we can accommodate your needs. See Registration and Eligibility Requirements

Fall Adaptive Riding Lessons

September 12 – November 20, 2022 (10 weeks)

Session	Day	Time	Class Size	Cost
Adaptive Riding	Fridays	4:30-5:30pm	5 participants	$550 (session)

Infection Control Plan

Concussion Policy

Application

Warm Beach Camp provides sanitized helmets; however, riders are encouraged to bring their own ASTM/SEI approved helmets.

Class placements will be finalized before the session begins. Enrollment for each session will be accepted up until the first day of class (subject to availability).

Pre-authorization required before participant can officially enroll in a class, to make sure we can accommodate your needs. See Registration and Eligibility Requirements

Scholarships are available.

Apply for funding here

See parent information below for eligibility requirements and registration process.

Parent Information

FAQ's for discerning parents. Click on a box for more information.

Registration

Review the Eligibility Requirements
Submit completed application form to Ginger Reitz:
email the Horsemanship Department, attn Ginger
mail: Warm Beach Camp
20800 Marine Dr
Stanwood, WA 98292
Assessment visit. Prospective participants will be contacted to schedule an appointment.
The assessment fee of $60 due upon arrival (cash or check).
Warm Beach Camp staff will determine the suitability of this activity for the prospective participant and if approved will place them in an appropriate class. Once approved, a Warm Beach Camp instructor will send you a link to complete your online registration.

Eligibility Requirements

Generally, participants will be able to demonstrate the following characteristics for participation:

Physical: Participants should walk independently on uneven surfaces, without assistant devices such as crutches, walkers or chairs. They should have the ability to move backward, sideways, stand and walk without falling. Demonstrate good neck and head control, shoulder stability and arm strength. Tolerate weight bearing exercises. Must have ability to have some hearing from a distance to be able to follow instructions. Therapeutic Vaulting participants must also be able to dismount immediately from the horse or the barrel.

Cognitive: Ability and willing to follow direction. Demonstrate healthy self-preservation. Demonstrate self-restraint in case of frustration.

Social: Ability to function in a group setting. Must be able to share. Demonstrate safe behavior around fellow vaulters and horse.

Health Condition Precautions & Contraindications
The following conditions, if present may represent Precautions & Contraindications to therapeutic horsemanship. Therefore, when considering participation, please note in the application form whether these conditions are present and to what degree. Medical consent from your physician may be necessary to include in any equine related activity.

MEDICAL/SURGICAL

Allergies (specifically grasses, animals and dust)
Aneurysm
Cancer
Cerebral Palsy
Diabetes
Gastrostomy Tube
Heart Condition
Hypertension
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Poor Endurance
Recent Surgery
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
Known Thrombus
Known Embolus
Varicose Veins

ORTHOPEDIC

Arthritis
Atlantoaxial Instabilities
Coxarthrosis
Cranial Deficits
Heterotopic Ossification
Hip Subluxation & Dislocation
Internal Spinal Stabilization Devices (such as Harrington Rods)
Kyphosis
Lordosis
Non-weight Bearing (requiring transfers with a Hoyer-lift)
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteoporosis
Paralysis
Pathologic Fractures
Scoliosis
Spinal Fusion
Spinal Instabilities/Abnormalities
Spinal Orthoses

NEUROLOGICAL

SECONDARY CONCERNS

Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Disorder
Behavior Problems (including aggression, self-mutilation)
Indwelling Catheter
Any form of PortG-tube/J-tube/NG Tube of liquid diet feeding
Weight limit of 150 pounds (for mounted activities)

Who May Benefit

Those with a combination of diagnosis such as but not limited to the following:

ADD/ADHD
Amputation
Arthritis
Autism
Cerebral Palsy
Developmental delay or disability
Down Syndrome
Emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues
Foster or adoption
Genetic conditions/disorders
Head trauma/brain injury
Hearing or Visual impairment
Learning disability
Muscular Dystrophy
Orthopedic disorder
Paralysis
PTSD
Spina Bifida
Spinal cord injury
Stroke
Trauma
Youth identified as “at risk”

Is this program right for me or my loved one?
With such a wide range of conditions potentially benefitting from Horse Assisted Learning, care is taken to select those who can safely participate. In order to be placed in a class, prospective participants must first submit a completed application form to the Director of the Therapeutic Horsemanship. Care is taken to make sure that each one can participate safely and be successful within the class structure we can provide. A physician permission to participate may be required. Medical and liability releases will be required.

More Information

The purpose of Horse Assisted Therapy (learning) is to provide interventions that would not be possible with only a human provider. Animals interact with humans in a variety of therapeutic forms, but at the base of the interaction is a lessening of human stress and increase in mutual trust. Horses provide an additional aspect of the therapeutic process that many other animals cannot. They are prey animals and; therefore, they do not trust easily, demand respect to provide respect, and due to their size are not easily bullied or manipulated. Horses also live by a set of rules that is based on the family system. They are herd animals and their survival depends upon communication and their relationship with the other herd members. Horses read subtle changes in human body language, emotion, positive and negative energy, and basic intentions of others. Horse assisted psychotherapy utilizes the horse's responsive nature as a therapy tool and part of the therapy team's options for treatment. They are naturally curious, have individual personalities, and mirror human behavior.

We do not provide therapy. However, we do provide therapeutic moments and environments – that is defined by any activity that promotes personal growth or introspection. Horse Assisted Therapy is truly both educational and therapeutic.

Cancellation Policy

Horse Assisted Learning

Horse Assisted Learning helps participants grow in life skills through the hands-on experience of working around and with horses.

Horses are highly sensitive to their environment and responsive to human emotional cues. With this sensitivity to subtle changes, horses often respond to people differently based on the individual’s emotional state. The feedback provides exceptional insight into the student’s internal process and a valuable opportunity for skill building. Ideal for participants not ready or able to take mounted classes.

Helps develop skills in communication, problem solving, trusting another, assertiveness, handling frustration, boundary setting, leadership, confidence, and relationships.

Classes & Schedule

Experience the benefits of Horse Assisted Learning

Horse Assisted Learning will be taught by Sarah Rivera at Take the Lead on grounds at Warm Beach Camp.

Classes Offered

Mini Sessions
Recharge Retreats
Renewal Series
Marriage Workshops

Learn more about Take the Lead

Parent Information

FAQ's for discerning parents. Click on a box for more information.

Registration

Review the Eligibility Requirements
Submit an application form to Ginger Reitz:
email the Horsemanship Department, attn Ginger
mail: Warm Beach Camp, 20800 Marine Dr, Stanwood, WA 98292
Warm Beach Camp staff will determine the suitability of this activity for the prospective participant and if approved will place them in an appropriate class.
Once approved, a Warm Beach Camp instructor will send you a link to complete your online registration. Submit payment for session.

Eligibility Requirements

Generally, participants will be able to demonstrate the following characteristics for participation:

Cognitive: Ability and willing to follow direction. Demonstrate healthy self-preservation. Demonstrate self-restraint in case of frustration.

Social: Ability to function in a group setting. Must be able to share. Demonstrate safe behavior around fellow vaulters and horse.

MEDICAL/SURGICAL

Allergies (specifically grasses, animals and dust)
Aneurysm
Cancer
Cerebral Palsy
Diabetes
Gastrostomy Tube
Heart Condition
Hypertension
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Poor Endurance
Recent Surgery
Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)
Known Thrombus
Known Embolus
Varicose Veins

ORTHOPEDIC

Arthritis
Atlantoaxial Instabilities
Coxarthrosis
Cranial Deficits
Heterotopic Ossification
Hip Subluxation & Dislocation
Internal Spinal Stabilization Devices (such as Harrington Rods)
Kyphosis
Lordosis
Non-weight Bearing (requiring transfers with a Hoyer-lift)
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteoporosis
Paralysis
Pathologic Fractures
Scoliosis
Spinal Fusion
Spinal Instabilities/Abnormalities
Spinal Orthoses

NEUROLOGICAL

SECONDARY CONCERNS

Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Disorder
Behavior Problems (including aggression, self-mutilation)
Indwelling Catheter
Any form of PortG-tube/J-tube/NG Tube of liquid diet feeding
Weight limit of 150 pounds (for mounted activities)

Who May Benefit

Those with a combination of diagnosis such as but not limited to the following:

ADD/ADHD
Amputation
Arthritis
Autism
Cerebral Palsy
Developmental delay or disability
Down Syndrome
Emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues
Foster or adoption
Genetic conditions/disorders
Head trauma/brain injury
Hearing or Visual impairment
Learning disability
Muscular Dystrophy
Orthopedic disorder
Paralysis
PTSD
Spina Bifida
Spinal cord injury
Stroke
Trauma
Youth identified as “at risk”

More Information

Cancellation Policy

"What Camp goers are saying"

“I have been doing therapeutic riding for several months. It has been a very positive experience. It has helped me with my core strength and balance. It also takes away anxiety.”

–Kristine