The Horses
Initially, the horses for the program were donated from our farm, Rainbow Stables. As time went on, others were donated from private owners, purchased, or adopted from the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society.
The Therapy Horse must be patient, sound in wind and limb, quiet and have good confirmation. They are trained to the aids like any school or show horse. They can be of any size, breed, sex or age although some breeds have better quality gaits than others. This is especially necessary for hippotherapy. Older horses have more experience than younger ones, although they all have to be introduced to special equipment, both the rider�s as well as those used for classes. Eg. Wheelchairs, crutches, beanbags, balls, barrels, poles, flags, swords etc. The length of training depends on the horse and his level of fitness and the duties he will be performing. Our horses vary in age from 6 years to 23 years of age. We have 2 small ponies, 2 large ponies, 1 mule and 5 horses available to our program, all at various stages of training. They have all attended horse shows both with volunteers and with our riders with disabilities, in local, regional and provincial shows and Fall Fairs. They have participated in parades and local events such as Summerfest and Sportsman Show, giving demonstrations and/or pony rides and pictures to raise money and public awareness for the program.
Our horses are kept under natural boarding conditions. This includes turnout 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in a herd situation all year long. They have plenty of pasture in summer, and hay in winter, with large wooded areas and run-in sheds for protection from the elements. They each have a stall in the barn where they receive their daily grain and vitamins, and enjoy the company of their human companions. They are also kept barefoot for optimal hoof health.
Training & Schooling
Our therapy horses receive many hours of extensive training and schooling by our nationally certified coach. This includes their ground work such as lunging, leading, becoming accustomed to our riders� assistant devices, games equipment, trail riding and showing. They are trained for both English and Western disciplines, as well as for driving. Some of our horses have been in our program for over 10 years, and their value increases as their training continues.
