Horsemanship

Eagle Mount Great Falls
Therapeutic Recreation

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Horsemanship

Eagle Mount Equestrians

(ages 4 and up)

The Eagle Mount Equestrians became a part of Eagle Mount the summer of 1992. The program was primarily a recreational program with therapeutic goals. Since then, the size and scope of the program has dramatically increased to many different parts -

Recreational Riding
Hippotherapy
Wranglers

The Eagle Mount Riding Center was a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Premier Accredited Center from 2004 - 2009. All riding instructors are specially trained and/or certified through NARHA guidelines. The program continues to maintain high performance and safety through many equine resources including NARHA.

Recreational Riding

The recreational riding programs focus primarily on teaching individuals with disabilities to ride a horse safely. This riding helps the individual with disabilities by improving balance, posture and coordination and helps the person psychologically by improving their self confidence and motivation. The participant is able to experience the sensation of being high above others, independent and mobile. Educational goals of sequencing and color identification are also met for those participants who have difficulty with these areas.

Advanced riding is for participants who have developed a more secure seat, and who are able to perform more difficult maneuvers.

Newcomers participate in an "Intro to Horses" class as a form of evaluation and introduction to our horsemanship programs before being placed in a specific riding class.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse; from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Hippotherapy at the Eagle Mount Riding Center is carried out by a physical or occupational therapist, working with a riding instructor and specially trained horse.

The rider's role is not to control or influence the horse, but to respond by accommodating to the horse's movement. The simple movement of a walking horse's back duplicates the 'normal' pelvis movements made by a person while walking. The gentle rotation of the rider's pelvis, back, and shoulder girdle tones muscles and exercises joints.

Activities such as touching the moving horse, varying sitting positions, and performing exercises, all accomplish goals of postural control and sensory integration. Many therapists believe that they can get results with a horse that no other equipment can offer.

Wranglers

The Wranglers Program serves individuals (young and old) who are unable to learn to ride independently or cannot get on a horse. Our wranglers come out and groom the horses and learn to take care of them as well as riding (if capable). Many of our seniors, nursing homes, and group homes are taking advantage of the Wrangler program and love it!

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Scheduling

The Horsemanship program schedules by appointment only. Please complete and mail in an E questrian Scheduling Survey. For more information please contact Val at 771-4829 or send us your inquiry through the contact form below. The sooner you send in the scheduling survey, the sooner we can get you on the list and involved in this exciting program. We look forward to hearing from you!

Download our equestrian informational brochures!
Equestrian Volunteer
Equestrian Participant (coming soon!)

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Our Horses

Eagle Mount currently houses and uses 13 horses, two donkeys, and a pony to provide horsemanship to our participants. We consider our horse crew part of our staff considering we couldn't have the equestrian program without them. They are all specially trained and cared for by our staff and volunteers - actually "spoiled rotten" would be a better description! Caring for this crew is one of Eagle Mount's biggest expenses. We are always in need of support for hay, feed, vet and farrier services, and medication/emergency services for our wonderful equine "staff". We invite anyone interested in sponsoring these magnificent animals to please call and schedule a time to come out and tour our facility and meet the horses. For more information on our horses, you may contact Val Clark, Program Coordinator, at 771-4829. Thank you!

Download
Horse Sponsorship Form

Val Clark
Equestrian Program Coordinator
Eagle Mount Riding Center
4792 13th St So
(406) 771-4829

Horsemanship Contact Form

Thank you for your interest in the Eagle Mount Equestrians. Val, our Equestrian Program Coordinator, will be in contact with you within 48 hours of your submitted inquiry.

First Name:
Last Name:
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