2010 Registration
See Information Below!

We encourage all clients with developmental or mental health special needs to become clients of the Department of Mental Health (DMH).

For more information visit the DMH website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rider Enrollment Packet - How do I register?

1. Print out a complete packet of rider enrollment information and required forms by clicking and printing each form below.

2. Complete and mail in or fax each completed form..

3. Call 636.332.4940 to schedule an evaluation. We must have all forms before the evaluation. There is a $60 fee that is payable at the time of the evaluation.

Parent Letter

Session Schedule and
Class Fees

Registration Form

Method of Payment Form

Class Selection Form

Scholarship Application

Consent Form

Emergency Form

Forms to be completed by Physician:

Medical History

Physician's Authorization/Prescription

Gaitway Riding Program Only

Gaitway Riding Registration Form

Gaitway Summer Camp Registration Form

2010 Calendar

Our Programs...

Hippotherapy

Literally means "horse therapy" or "treatment with the help of the horse". This is a dynamic treatment approach that uses the movement of the horse based on principles of classic Hippotherapy - neuromotor function and sensory processing. This program uses the horse as the therapy tool and is designed for individuals with disabilities to increase balance and control of movement on and off the horse. Specially trained volunteers are used as the direct link along with the therapist or instructor's guidance to the client and the achievement of personal therapeutic goals using the movement of the horse.

Sports Riding Therapy

Clients focus on learning horseback riding skills with the assistance of trained volunteers who are used as the direct link between the instructor's guidance to a client and the achievement of therapeutic goals with the aid of a horse. Clients acquire the skills necessary to influence the pace and direction of the horse. Clients will work toward riding independently.

Independent Sports Riding

Clients increase their skills without the assistance of trained volunteers. They learn techniques that accomodate their disability so independent horse care and management can be mastered. Clients will work on advanced riding skills that help prepare them for competition, drill team maneuvers and increased horsemanship.

Equine Experiential Learning - "Bonding with Horses"

This is an equine facilitated psychotherapy program that provides an interactive approach for clients coping with behavioral and emotional issues. This approach to therapeutic riding focuses on clients interacting with horses in a variety of ways. Clients will learn more about horses in numerous activities such as catching, grooming, caring for horses, and studying horse behavior including ground and round-pen work.

TH Horses for Heroes

This program will help veterans with challenges such as head and spinal cord injuries, amputation of both upper and lower limbs, auditory and visual impairments and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  Veterans using Hippotherapy and the horse as the therapy tool work to increase balance and control of movement on and off the horse.  In Sports Riding, veterans would focus on learning horseback riding skills through the achievement of therapeutic goals.  Veterans would work toward riding independently. (See brochure.)

Carriage Driving

Carriage or cart driving with a horse-drawn vehicle allows a person who cannot tolerate or benefit from the more extreme up/down, side/side, back/forth movement of riding astride to still build balance, upper body and trunk strength, and response to more subtle movements from a more stable base of support. (See brochure.)

Competition Team

Advanced riders learn about sportsmanship, teamwork, and the rules of showing. Competition in horse shows and ability awareness takes place locally, nationally, and internationally.

Riding Experiences

Organizations contract with Therapeutic Horsemanship to provide equine experiences in the community often at summer camps for individuals with disabilities.

Gaitway Riding Program Lessons

The Gaitway Riding Program offers horsemanship and riding lessons to individuals without disabilities. Lessons may include, but are not limited to saddling your horse, riding a quadrille pattern, jumping, riding Western or riding a dressage test. Riders of all levels are encouraged to enroll. Depending on your interests, TH can tailor a program suited to you.

Gaitway Summer Camps

Summer Camps are designed with each individual camper's goals in mind. Sessions are kept small in order to insure more individualized attention for each camper. Each day will include daily riding lessons, vaulting, trail rides, carriage driving, arts and crafts, instruction in horse care and first aid, lectures, games, videos and much, much more. (See brochure.)