Program Eligibility Requirements Policy
The potential rider must have a diagnosed disability which is proven by:
- Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) of Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI).....OR
- Exceptional Education Needs as demonstrated through a Multi-disciplinary Team Evaluation and Individual Education Plan with the rider’s school....OR
- Physician’s Referral with documentation of temporary or chronic disability .....OR
- Physical Disability requiring active Physical Therapy; Motor Disorder requiring Occupational therapy Interventions; Verbal Pathology requiring intervention by a Speech Therapist.....OR
- Is employed at a Sheltered Workshop or in Supportive Employment.
Riders may not be eligible to participate if:
- It has been determined that movement activity will cause a decrease in the potential rider’s function, an increase in pain or generally aggravate the individual’s medical condition.
- If the individual’s adaptive equipment needs or our environment will aggravate a rider’s condition.
- If the rider’s weight is over 200 pounds. (Our horses cannot bear this amount of weight.)
Because mounted activities always present the potential for a fall, the rider, parent
or guardian must understand that such a fall may cause greater functional impairment than
was originally present. The possibility of a fall should be given careful consideration,
and may lead to the informed decision that therapeutic riding is not the activity of
choice.
Working around horses (i.e., grooming, leading, lounging etc...) involves risk. The
potential rider, or the rider’s parent/guardian must understand that risk. An
understanding of the inherent risk may lead to an informed decision not to participate.
Accreditation, Certification and Safety Standards
Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc.is accredited and insured through the
North
American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) which establishes safety standards
and teaching techniques for member operating centers.
The accreditation process involves a review of the Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc.
facility, horses, instructors, volunteers, special equipment and administrative
procedures, Each category is reviewed and suggestions are made to help Free S.P.I.R.I.T.
Riders, Inc. work toward the highest possible level of accreditation.
Instructor Recognition involves testing the potential instructor on equine science and
knowledge of different disabilities as the disabilities apply to equine-facilitated
activities. Instructors can obtain one of three levels of recognition: Registered,
Certified, or Master Instructor.
As a NARHA accredited center, Free S.P.I.R.I.T. Riders, Inc. must complete and maintain
their accreditation status within a specified time period. Beginning in 1995, all NARHA
centers were required to show that their instructors have achieved at least the minimum
level of NARHA instructor recognition when applying for accreditation.
