About Us
Rhythm of the Rein provides exceptional Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) to individuals regardless of their situation. Our mission is to enhance the well-being of individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges for a better quality of life.
As a non-profit 501(C)3 charitable organization and the only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) premier accredited therapeutic riding program in central Vermont and the Northeast Kingdom, we offer services including adaptive riding, hippotherapy and therapeutic driving.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding and Driving Benefits Include:
- Trunk control, balance, muscle tone and strength
- Range of motion and joint mobility
- Fine motor coordination
- Sensory integration and concentration
- Spatial awareness and perceptual skills
- Cognitive skills
- Speech and language skills
- Self-discipline and self-awareness
- Confidence, pride and self-esteem
SCHEDULES:
Sessions are scheduled Monday through Saturday between the hours of 8am and 5pm. Primary and backup volunteers are recruited for each session so there are options to meet everyone’s time availability. We provide services year-round with occasional weather-related cancellations. Plus, we have very large, state-of-the-art, indoor facilities!
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Contact us if you or your child are interested in participating in one of our services. A certified instructor will discuss the options available to meet your needs. Once a plan of action has been decided upon, intake forms found below will need to be downloaded and completed prior to the first session. There are some medical conditions that would prevent some people from participating, which is why a ROTR therapist evaluates all candidates and works with attending physicians.
At the first session, an evaluation will be completed by a Physical Therapist or Certified Riding Instructor. Goals and plan activities will be established at this visit.
FORMS:
- ALTERNATIVE EQUINE PROGRAM AGREEMENT, LIABILITY RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT
- PARTICIPANT MEDICAL HISTORY and PHYSICIAN STATEMENT
- PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- HEALTH HISTORY FOR ALTERNATIVE RIDING PROGRAM
- CANCELLATION POLICY
EAAT ADMISSION FORM AND CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE AND CONSENT FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT
- PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR MOUNTED ACTIVITIES
- SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
RHYTHM OF THE REIN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:
Our Board of Directors has a responsibility to our donors to insure scholarship monies are well managed and appropriately spent; therefore it is our policy that our Scholarship Committee will review all requests for financial aid via the Financial Aid Application. Scholarships are provided on a financial need basis and on a first come first, served basis until all scholarship monies are allocated or spent. Awards are received as credit to sessions.
Before applying for a scholarship please speak to a member of our staff to make sure all other funding options have been explored. All applicants must complete the ENTIRE APPLICATION and submit proof of financial eligibility (copy of most recent federal or state tax return, SSI or Disability check). All information provided will be held in strictest confidence, according to Rhythm of the Rein’s Privacy Statement.
- Scholarships are awarded for 12-sessions.
- Rhythm of the Rein reserves the right to rescind scholarship awards as it sees fit.
- Rhythm of the Rein reserves the right to waive specific requirements on a case-by case basis.