Our Programs
HorseAbility offers a variety of Equine Assisted Services for therapy, recreation, sport, education and/or wellness. Qualified instructors develop lesson plans that may involve riding, driving, or ground-based activities (e.g., grooming, handling, leading, observing). Through these activities participants can attain individualized horsemanship skills, and allow for the natural benefits of working with horses. No formal diagnosis is required for participation in our riding programs. HorseAbility’s lessons are open to all riders of any ability aged 3-adult.
Riding Lessons/Adaptive Riding
Riders can also experience increased confidence, independence, and self-esteem. There is a unique bond that is formed between a rider and a horse. Individuals with learning disorders or developmental disabilities are motivated by riding to increase concentration, patience, and discipline. If a psychological or emotional disability is present, the unique relationship formed with a horse can help in improving interpersonal relationships.
Riding has evolved into a well-respected method widely recognized by medical, psychiatric, and social service professionals worldwide. Research shows that riding students can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. For individuals with impaired mobility, horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves their body in a manner similar to a walking gait. Riders experience increased balance, muscle control, and strength.
Hippotherapy
“Hippos” is the greek word for horse. The term hippotherapy refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes.
Horseability provides year round physical, occupational and speech-language pathology services to children and adults with special needs. Incorporating hippotherapy into a physical, occupational or speech language pathology session can serve as a powerful tool for the facilitation of key neuromotor systems that support function. Our licensed Physical therapists, Occupational therapists, and Speech Language Pathologist use the skillfully applied movement of the horse to improve gross and fine motor function and communicative skills.
Camp HorseAbility
Summer Day Camp
Camp HorseAbility is a riding, learning, and fun-filled day camp for individuals with special needs. The camp takes place annually at the end of August for one week Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Each day is divided into six primary activities: Horseback Riding, Sports, Arts and Crafts, Swimming, Special Activity and Lunch. All activities are individually tailored to meet the special needs of the camper and are offered in an encouraging and safe atmosphere, with success and fun as our guiding principles. The environment encourages each camper in a positive and patient manner specifically designed to strengthen not only the equestrian abilities, but also the physical and emotional capacities of our campers.
Goal Oriented Activities for Life Skill (G.O.A.L.S) Development Program
HorseAbility’s G.O.A.L.S Program utilizes the farm environment and our horses to educate participants over the age of 18. Being a part of our team at HorseAbility encourages a feeling of community and supported growth. Most activities and tasks are run outdoors year-round. Participants develop skills that can be applied to everyday life and supporting future endeavors including independence, sense of responsibility, development of communication, and team work skills. Additional goals are to improve self-esteem, and sense of purpose in an exciting and unique working environment here at the farm. Our staff creates customized plans for each participant based on goals, interests, and abilities. A schedule typically includes horse care, light facility maintenance, light office work, and collaborative tasks with other participants. The G.O.A.L.S program sets all participants up for success while exploring their personal strengths.
Miniature Horse Companion Therapy Visitation Program
Our team of miniature therapy horses are similar to their full sized equine partners in terms of personality, intelligence, and disposition. With their calm, patient demeanor and willingness to interact with persons of all ages and abilities, our miniature horse consistently bring smiles to the faces of everyone they meet. In our experience, time spent with our Mini Horse Team can help children and adults with special needs as well as seniors improve their physical, emotional, and social well being. With our mobile therapeutic services we are able to visit hospitals, hospice, nursing homes, schools, dnd rehabilitation centers. Our minis have traveled to centers from Long Island to Staten Island. Visitors are also welcome to interact with the miniature horse team at their home here at HorseAbility.
Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LIHSSRD)
The Long Island Horse Show Series for Riders with Disabilities (LIHSSRD) was created by Camp HorseAbility Inc. in 2005 to provide competition opportunities at USEF rated hunter jumper horse shows for riders with disabilities. The horse show series follows the guidelines of the United States Equestrian Federation and judged by USEF recognized Judges. The divisions are open to any adult or junior rider with a documented disability. The LIHSSRD series is hosted at 4-6 at local shows each season and offers three divisions; assisted Leader/Sidewalker division, beginner independent Spotter Division and an advanced Independent Division. Riders accumulate points throughout the show season and the top 10 riders in each division are invited to compete at the championship competition, hosted by the Hampton Classic Horse Show.
“Jr. Volunteer” Youth Horseback Riding Lessons & Summer Camp
HorseAbility provides quality lessons to all levels of young riders with an emphasis given to developing their horsemanship skills through our partnership program with Future Stars Day Camp. With a balanced day of instruction, horseback riding, horsemanship skills, equine science and more, instructors instill in campers the ability to work safely and effectively around horses in a respectful manner and learning equitation in a fun, safe and encouraging environment. Our Jr. Volunteer program extends their horsemanship development throughout the school year building skills, character, and friendships while on the farm.
Additional Programming
The wide range of programs offered to the community. Some of our additional programs offered include:
Driving Lessons
Field Trips for School/Groups
Equine Facilitated Therapy
HorseAbility for Heroes Veterans Program
Corporate Team Building
Certification and Training Courses
HorseAbility offers partnership programming with:
Camp Loyaltown
Special Olympics
Girl Scouts
