CMTRCI Mission
The mission of CMTRCI is to improve the lives of persons with special needs through the interaction with horses while fostering a safe, life enhancing, mentally and physically enriching, rewarding experience. Networking community, government, health professonals, and researchers, CMTRCI encourages a team approach of working together to change lives.
Seek God First, Know His Ways, Trust His Power, Help His People, Change the World
Bailey and Sarah
Chehalem Mountain Ranch was the birthplace of CMTRCI in 2004 when a group of area high school students came to the ranch for a field trip. One of the students in particular made a lasting impression on Rudy and Shannon Kaplan, founders of Chehalem Mountain Therapy Riding Center Inc.
This particular student used a wheel chair for mobility and could not speak, and yet, once she was on horseback her facial expression spoke volumes as she transformed into an individual full of expression . "We believed we discovered something new." Shannon recalls.
Their "discovery" led Shannon and Rudy Kaplan to research "hippotherapy" a type of therapy that has been practiced in Europe for decades.
The following year Shannon became a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) certified instructor and their center opened to children and adults with special needs.
CMTRCI provides children and adults the opportunity to interact with and ride horses for therapeutic benefit, encourages individuals to recognize success in all achievements, inspires them to achieve success by overcoming obstacles, and assists them in the identification of individual attributes.
This particular student used a wheel chair for mobility and could not speak, and yet, once she was on horseback her facial expression spoke volumes as she transformed into an individual full of expression . "We believed we discovered something new." Shannon recalls.
Their "discovery" led Shannon and Rudy Kaplan to research "hippotherapy" a type of therapy that has been practiced in Europe for decades.
The following year Shannon became a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) certified instructor and their center opened to children and adults with special needs.
CMTRCI provides children and adults the opportunity to interact with and ride horses for therapeutic benefit, encourages individuals to recognize success in all achievements, inspires them to achieve success by overcoming obstacles, and assists them in the identification of individual attributes.
Benefits of Horseback Therapy
Horseback therapy is incomparable in the benefits it provides participants. Below is a partial list of those benefits.
* All senses are engaged and emotions are heightened which increases memory retention.
* Participants experience liberation and learn the importance of communication as they work as a team to guide the horse.
* Participants exercise self discipline as they work continuously in a 30 minute session.
* Participants are at eye level with the instructor which provides for engaging interaction.
* Increased and continuous body movement increases circulation which increases blood flow to all parts of the body, most importantly to the brain and muscles.
* The warmth and movement of the horse stimulates nerves and muscles, increasing muscle tone and creating new brain pathways.
* The rhythmic rocking movement of the horse is soothing and calming and assists the subconscious in recognizing repetive patterns as in speech.
* The vestibular system and brain continually compensate for changes in body position and movement which increases brain pathways.
* Participants develop an incomparable trust relationship with their instructor as they work from a perceived vulnerable position on horseback.
* All senses are engaged and emotions are heightened which increases memory retention.
* Participants experience liberation and learn the importance of communication as they work as a team to guide the horse.
* Participants exercise self discipline as they work continuously in a 30 minute session.
* Participants are at eye level with the instructor which provides for engaging interaction.
* Increased and continuous body movement increases circulation which increases blood flow to all parts of the body, most importantly to the brain and muscles.
* The warmth and movement of the horse stimulates nerves and muscles, increasing muscle tone and creating new brain pathways.
* The rhythmic rocking movement of the horse is soothing and calming and assists the subconscious in recognizing repetive patterns as in speech.
* The vestibular system and brain continually compensate for changes in body position and movement which increases brain pathways.
* Participants develop an incomparable trust relationship with their instructor as they work from a perceived vulnerable position on horseback.