Equine Facilitated Therapeutics

About the Major

The Equine Facilitated Therapeutics major combines the student’s knowledge of the horse with an in-depth study of the use of the horse as a therapeutic partner. Students pursuing this major will graduate with a thorough working knowledge of human disabilities; biomechanics and kinesiology of both the human and the horse; evaluation techniques; training the therapy horse; and methods of teaching riders with disabilities (therapeutic riding).

Classes will combine traditional lecture periods, structured hands-on laboratories, and simulated, as well as actual, student teaching. Wilson is a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) member center.

Course Requirements

BIO 101, 102: General Biology I, II

Introduction to cell anatomy and organismal biology. The five kingdoms of life are surveyed, emphasizing distinguishing features and lifestyles. In-depth study of major organ systems of multicellular animals. Emphasis on principles underlying living organisms, problems they face and solutions that have evolved. Designed as first of two semesters of a general survey. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

Introduction to biochemistry, molecular cell biology and cell energetics. Genetics covered in relation to molecular mechanisms, population biology and evolutionary theory. Survey of botany, including anatomy and physiology of plants. Introduction to ecological principles, including ecosystem organization; interaction of biotic and abiotic factors; and the biosphere. Prerequisite: 101. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

or

BIO 110: Contemporary Biology

A survey of relevant biological principles and processes designed as an introduction to the life sciences for the non-science major. Topics include human biology (cellular and physiological processes), evolution of biodiversity and ecology. Three hours lecture; three hours laboratory. NSL

BUS 124: Introduction to Management

Study of management from a general perspective. Major functional areas of internal and external activities of an organization, the decision-making process and the computer’s place in contemporary management. Emphasis on formulation and implementation of policy in keeping with an organization’s goals.

BUS 220: Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management

Consideration of the problems of start-up, survival, profit and growth of a new or ongoing venture. Examination of small-business operations including business plans, finance, legal aspects, government regulation, record-keeping, marketing and human resources issues. Prerequisite: 124.

EDU 206: Educational Psychology

A pragmatically oriented study of learning processes and factors that stimulate and impede those processes. Psychological testing, methods of measuring and evaluating learning. Special needs of learners with exceptionalities and racial and ethnic minorities. Techniques of interpersonal relations and classroom management. Observation in local schools and other institutions. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

EDU 207: Adolescent Development, Cognition, and Learning

This course will focus on development of youth from pre-adolescence to late adolescence and emerging adulthood. The interrelationship of physical, social, emotional development with cognition and learning will be examined. Implications for pedagogical approaches and varied curriculum components will be evaluated. This course would be of value for in-service teachers, case workers, youth ministry and other adults who interact with teenagers. Prerequisite: PSY 110

or

PSY 202: Lifespan Development

Human development from conception to death. Topics include: philosophical and scientific views of the life cycle; and biological, cognitive, social, emotional and personality themes of development during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. Prerequisite: 110. CC

EFT 201, 202: Equine-Facilitated Therapeutics I, II

An introductory course addressing: therapeutic program development, program personnel and team-building, qualifications, and training; overview of disabilities commonly encountered in the therapeutic program; learning styles; record-keeping and use of the horse in equine-assisted activities. Prerequisite: EQS 116.

Theories learned in EFT 201 are put into practical application through: development of evaluation and intake techniques; in-depth presentation of the physical, emotional and mental disabilities commonly seen in therapeutic programs; goal setting and lesson planning; appropriate horse use; the role of the leader and sidewalkers during the mount, lesson and dismount; and, safety procedures and techniques. Prerequisite: 201.

EFT 213: Training the Therapy Horse

A practical course to train the therapeutic riding horse. Students will train/retrain assigned horses in the following: leading techniques (on- and off-lead) in walk and trot; ramp safety for mounts and dismounts; acceptance of adaptive equipment; de-sensitization techniques; and working with behavior issues related to herd work, emergency situations and boredom. Prerequisite: EQS 230.

EFT 215: Equine Biomechanics and Kinesiology

A study of equine movement. A thorough understanding of how a horse moves is used to improve the posture, balance and mobility of both horse and rider. To gain an understanding of the horse’s movement in real time, students will complete a research project using video analysis, still photography and other media applications. Prerequisite: EQS 116.

EFT 331, 332: Teaching Therapeutic Riding

Students will apply the skills and concepts from EFT 201, EFT 202, EFT 213 and EFT 215 in the following: intake and evaluation of riders; goal setting, task analysis, skill progression and lesson planning based on rider ability and age; assignment of appropriate horse and equipment; training and oversight of the team; differentiation between the therapeutic riding instructor and medical or mental health professionals; role play; and mentored teaching of students having physical, emotional or mental disabilities. Prerequisites: 202, EQS 240.

Under the supervision of the professor, students will teach riders with disabilities, perform the duties of alternative team members and provide critical evaluations of their peers. Prerequisite: 331.

EQS 110: Introduction to Equine Management

The foundation course for equestrian studies, which addresses basic equine anatomy, breeds, colors, conformation, equipment, feeding, grooming, minor veterinary care, shoeing, soundness and stable management. Lecture, demonstration, discussion; practica and experiential work required at the stable.

EQS 116: Equine Anatomy and Physiology

A study of the musculoskeletal, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems of the horse from anatomical and physiological perspectives. Prerequisite: BIO 101 or 110. Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.

EQS 230: Introduction to Training the Horse

Presents the basic concepts of a variety of traditional and modern training methods. The course provides an understanding of the horse’s natural behavior, instincts and ability to learn. Students are taught the use of aids, tack, equipment, schooling exercises and training techniques, all designed to develop a calm, obedient, forward-moving horse. Lecture, discussion and practica.

EQS 240: Introduction to Teaching Horsemanship

A preparatory course for teaching the basics of safe horsemanship, emphasizing theory of riding principles, methods of instruction, safety, prevention of accidents, and supervision of groups and individual riders. Lecture, discussion, observation, practica. Prerequisites: 110, 230.

EQT: Minimum of one semester. Must ride to the EQT 204 level.

PSY 110: Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to the science of behavior. Topics include the biological foundations of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, development, personality and adjustment, and social behavior. CC

Student Learning Goals

DEVELOP A THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM (EFT 1):  Students will design a therapeutic riding program utilizing industry standards.

Outcomes:   The student’s ability to develop a therapeutic riding program will be evidenced by:

• Utilizing state and national standards of practice
• Writing job descriptions
• Writing training manuals for staff and volunteers
• Training staff and volunteers
• Develop a record-keeping system
• Perform a program self-study

THE THERAPEUTIC RIDER (EFT 2):  Students will identify disability characteristics, precautions, contraindications, and therapeutic goals for individuals with disabilities within the therapeutic riding setting.

Outcomes:   Understanding the therapeutic rider is evidenced by:

• Defining characteristics of a disability that can be affected by therapeutic riding
• Writing long-term and short-term goals for the individual
• Defining and assessing progression for the therapeutic rider

UTILIZING THE HORSE (EFT 3):  Students will train the horse, analyze its movement, and control the horse, in the therapeutic setting.

Outcomes:   Skills related to utilizing the horse in the therapeutic setting are evidenced by the student’s ability to:

• Progress a horse’s ground training to the therapeutic level
• Define, analyze, and interpret the horse’s movement
• Identify appropriate mounts for specific individuals
• Perform the duties of a leader in a therapeutic riding lesson

TEACHING THE THERAPEUTIC RIDER (EFT 4):  Students will develop and teach a therapeutic riding plan for riders with disabilities..

Outcomes:   Teaching the therapeutic rider is demonstrated by the student’s ability to:

• Perform an intake evaluation
• Assign appropriate horse, adaptive equipment and level of assistance for a therapeutic rider
• Write lesson plans for therapeutic riding lessons
• Self-evaluation of performance
• Assess and progress riders utilizing industry standards
• Evaluate peers
• Oversee the teaching team
• Perform student teaching hours

Equine Facilitated Therapeutics Club

The EFT Club (Equine Facilitated Therapeutics Club) was created to educate the students of Wilson College about the benefits of equine therapies, to build and maintain a support system for families with children with special needs, and to get the students involved in making changes to the Penn Hall Equestrian Center that will benefit all riders (therapeutic as well as non-therapeutic). We also help out the EFT program here at Wilson, as much as possible. The EFT Club is open to all majors and disciplines.