Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program

Wild Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Program is currently accepting participants for our Therapeutic Riding & Therapeutic Horsemanship programs.

(Please scroll down  for descriptions of these programs as well as the range of disabilities that equine assisted activities & therapy can benefit.)

Download the Wild Hearts "About Equine Assisted Activities" flyer

Wild Hearts is located in West Bridgwater and offers Theraeutic Riding classes April 22 through November 2. Please download our Participant Handbook and Registration Form for complete information about our fee schedule, and our cancellation and make-up policies.

If you are a new student and would like to enroll in our Therapeutic Riding Program - please submit a Participant Application. After we receive your application, our director will contact you to schedule an intake meeting.

If you are interested in our un-mounted Therapeutic Horsemanship program, please contact Julie Lovely for more information at 508-857-1737.

Wild Hearts 2013 Therapeutic Riding Sessions

• Session 1:  April 22 – June 1, Make-up week: June 2 – 8 
• Session 2:  June 9 – July 20, Make-up week: July 21-27
• Session 3:  July 28 – Sept 7, Make-up week: Sept 8 – Sept 14
• Session 4:  Sept 15 – Oct 26, Make-up week: Oct 27 – Nov 2

Wild Hearts is closed for the following 2013 holidays and breaks:

Memorial Day Weekend: May 25 – May 27

Independence Day: July 4^th

Labor Day Weekend: August 31 – September 2

Columbus Day Weekend: October 12 – October 14

Therapeutic Riding Sessions End: November 2

Thanksgiving: November 28 – December 1

Holiday Break: December 22 – January 1

The following forms must be completed prior to the first Therapeutic Riding lesson and updated annually

Participant Application

Medical History/Physician Statement

Medical Treatment Authorization

Release and Indemnification

Physical/Occupational Therapist Evaluation (Optional Form)

Therapeutic Riding

Our unique Therapeutic Riding program blends both mounted and un-mounted skill building. Though riding skills are the focus of this program, participants have the opportunity to learn the basics of horsemanship including grooming, tacking, safety around horses as well as participate in other activities to develop the skills that are necessary to become a knowledgeable, responsible, "horseman."

Therapeutic Horsemanship

Therapeutic Horsemanship is an un-mounted program suitable for children and adults of all ages. Students learn horse care management, how to safely interact with the horse, and how to work with horses from the ground. Therapeutic Horsemanship helps students to improve communication skills, establish trust, and develop empathy and compassion for others through their interactions with the horse.

Future Programs...

Horses for Heroes

Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes allows active-duty and veteran service members to experience the therapeutic benefits of Therapeutic Horsemanship. Wild Hearts Horses for Heroes addresses both the visible and invisible wounds of war including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), as well as other physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that make it difficult to readjust to civilian life following deployment.

Equine Facilitated Learning

Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) is an educational approach to equine-assisted activities. EFL content is developed and organized by credentialed practitioners with the primary intent to facilitate personal growth and development of life skills through equine interactions.

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) is an experiential treatment approach provided by the synergistic team of the horse, the equine specialist, and a licensed mental health professional. Horses are extraordinarily well tuned-in to our emotional states, feelings, and thought-patterns. EFP incorporates the power of the horse, the clinical skills of the therapist and the hopes, dreams and challenges of the psycotherapy patient.

Equine Assisted Activities & Therapy are helpful to a wide range of special needs such as, but definitely not limited to:

• Autism
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Cerebral Palsy
• Visual & Hearing Impairments
• Down Syndrome
• Cardiovascular accident/Stroke
• Mental Retardation
• Spina Bifida
• Emotional Disabilities
• Depression
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Brain/Spinal Cord Injuries
• Amputations
• Learning Disabilities
• Attention Deficit Disorder