Equine Assisted Therapy Alaska

grams and Services

• Equine Assisted Activites / Adaptive Riding
• Hippotherapy; a tool for physical, occupational or speech therapy


Equine Assisted Therapy Alaska’s programs provide benefits to children and adults who are living with physical, emotional, or intellectual disabilities, currently serving 79 riders a year. Children under six years of age make up 25% of the program’s riders. School age and teen riders, ages 6-18 represent 27% of our riders, with the remaining 48% being adults. Racial and ethnic demographics of our clientele are 61% Caucasian, 32% AK Native, 5% Hispanic, 2% Asian. EATA sessions are run by licensed occupational, physical, speech­language therapists/pathologists, or mental health specialists with a PATH certified riding instructor. During sessions, clients ride a therapy horse and work to fulfill the goals set by the therapist. There are unique challenges not present in clinical settings. For those with limited mobility, the horse's gait provides a unique opportunity for the client to move his or her body in a manner similar to walking. This movement exercises their legs and back and strengthens their confidence and self­-esteem. Equine­Assisted Activities (EAA) are the many activities that occur at the center, whether the rider is on the horse or not. Activities may include stable management, grooming, learning basic horsemanship skills, shows, and other demonstrations. The goals vary from rider to rider, yet a general goal is to work on self ­confidence, teamwork, social development, and to gain independence. This environment also improves the rider's core strength, manual dexterity, and flexibility.