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Breaking Free has been offering Therapeutic Riding lessons 

through PATH Intl. standards since 2009. Please contact the 

office for information on enrolling new riders.


Empowering Individuals with diverse challenges, through unique equine assisted therapeutic experiences


We hope this helps and promotes others to continue to grow in dedication and responsibility in providing equine activities and programs for individuals with special needs.

Who can ride? Any individual 4yrs to 100 yrs. who qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act is eligible to apply. Each applicant is evaluated before becoming a student to determine if the therapeutic riding program can meet his or her needs.

Student enrollment

Student Placement Process

Intake Assessment All participants are assessed prior to placement in any of Breaking Free’s programs. An intake assessment serves to orient the participant and parents and/or caregivers to the facility, the programs and the various services offered. This assessment is completed by Breaking Free Staff to determine a participant’s functional ability, overall behavior, educational goals, communication needs, and appropriate placement to the therapy program. Assessment is required for students who have not received services and Breaking Free within the past 12 months, however, Breaking Free reserves the right to reassess any participant prior to scheduling services or within any service period.    

Eligibility Criteria Safety and maximizing the therapeutic benefits of equine activities are primary concerns of a successful program. Due to the capacities of volunteer side walkers and current program horses, insurance requirements and industry standards, Breaking Free is limited to accepting students who: For Riding:

  • Weigh no more than 220 pounds

  • Are able to be effectively supported by side walkers  

For all Breaking Free programs:

  • Do not exhibit conditions that are contraindicated

  • Have current signed and dated paperwork

  • Benefit physically, emotionally, socially and/or cognitively from a Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Program

  • Complete an intake assessment where it is determined that eligibility criteria are met

  • Do not threaten the health or well-being of other participants, horses, volunteers or staff

Acceptance

A potential participant is not a candidate for equine programming if conditions exist that contraindicate equestrian participation as determined by PATH or if a participant is unable to adhere to Breaking Free policies are set forth in this Student Handbook. A team consisting of a Breaking Free Intake Assess, the Director, the Certified Instructor and a professional adviser (i.e. physical therapist, occupational therapist, mental health professional, etc.) will make the final determination of acceptance and appropriateness for specific programs for any given participants. Eligibility will be re-evaluated as necessary.

Waiting List and Placement

Upon completion of all required paperwork, and an intake assessment by PATH Int. Riding instructors, prospective participants will be added to the primary waiting list. It is the student’s responsibility to notify Breaking Free of any changes in contact information. Failure to do so may impact notification of lesson openings.     

Available Programs 

For any of the programs listed please call the office for more information. 

Riding Lessons/Equine-Facilitated Therapy

Each Lesson incorporates the educational, physical, social and recreational goals of each individual student. The 45-minutes lesson includes mounting, warm-up time, an exercise, an activity or game, skill development, skill review, a closing activity and dismounting. Group lessons have 3-4 students per class. Lessons may include some unmounted time devoted to expanding horsemanship skills. Students may groom, saddle, or perform other appropriate activities that develop horsemanship skills. Continual participation in the program is suggested for maximum therapeutic benefits. 

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