What are Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies?
What is EAAT?
EAAT stands for equine assisted activities which help individuals with special needs gain confidence, along with physical and emotional strength, independence, and mobility. The ability to bond and interact with our majestic horses, both mounted and from the ground, provides tremendous physical and psychological benefits.
All services at NTRC are led by a P.A.T.H. International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor or an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Northland Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) serves between 80-90 individuals as well as their families. More than 100 invaluable and vital volunteers donate over 6,500 hours annually to provide compassionate support to our riders and horses.
Examples of special needs and disorders that EAAT can help:
- Autism
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome
- Mental Health
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Cognitive Disorders
While the physical benefits achieved from EAAT are numerous, the emotional and social benefits are also far reaching. Each session is specifically designed to provide opportunities for participants to practice:
- Cooperation
- Patience
- Socialization Skills
- Empathy
- Language and Listening Skills
Multiple Diagnoses...Countless Benefits
