Programs

Programs and how to register

Look HERE for documents you need to submit online.

For Park Classes and to purchase Riding Pass call

Park Visitor Center 703-437-9101

For other programs or questions contact us at spiritinfo@spiritequestrian.org

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding is an equine assisted activity that contributes positively to the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs.

Unlike traditional forms of therapy, therapeutic horseback riding provides a unique and therapeutic experience for the rider and benefits participants by improving:

  • Balance
  • Muscle tone
  • Gross and fine motor skills
  • Focusing skills
  • Self-confidence
  • Communication

Equine Assisted Learning

EAL programs use the interactions between humans and horses to encourage personal growth and development and to improve basic life skills.  It also provides help in the following areas:

  • Social, team work and leadership skills
  • Confidence and self esteem
  • Communication skills
  • Empathy 
  • Respect
  • Boundaries
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Patience

SPIRIT EAL programs offer individual and group  sessions, for youth,  workshops for corporate groups, teams, families, and other groups to facilitate development of:

  • Teamwork
  • Leadership skills
  • Management skills

The SPIRIT Team will create a fun and memorable experience to help you discover your own potential

 

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Designed for individuals and families, EAP is an approach which incorporates interactions, with horses, into mental and behavioral therapy. 

EAP is used to address:

  • Behavioral issues
  • Attention deficit disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Abuse
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Grief
  • PTSD

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Therapeutic Horsemanship

 

Therapeutic Horsemanship has been designed for individuals and small groups.

It is an unmounted program, facilitated by a certified TR Instructor.

This program gives individuals practice in ground work and horse care activities to improve:

  • basic life skills (focusing, orientation, emotional intelligence
  • setting boundaries
  • self control
  • communication and social skills
  • confidence

SPIRIT Academy

Education, Training and Certification Prograrm

SPIRIT Academy Program  provides an oportunity for public, mental healt professionals, counselors, life coaches, riding instructors to learn about how to use interaction with horses (mounted or unmounted ) in therapy or therapeutic programs. 

  • Gain  knowledge and skills in horsemanship and variety of activities to be able to facilitate Equine Assisted Therapies, Equine Assisted Learning, Therapeutic Horsemanship and Therapeutic Riding. 
  • Earn continuing education credits for NBCC or EAA service provider roles.

 

Focus Areas

  • Equestrian / Horsemanship Training – Basic mounted and groundwork horsemanship skills
  • EAP – Lectures and Workshops about basic activities for service providers / Therapists (Psychotherapiusts,Counselors)
  • EAL – Lectures and Workshops for service providers  / Facilitators (Life Coach, Riding Instructors)
  • TR – Lectures and Workshops for service providers / Instructors (Riding Instructors)

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For additional information on any of SPIRIT’s programs, please contact us at spiritinfo@spiritequestrian.org