Volunteer With CTRC!

Are you interested in volunteering for the premier riding center in Colorado but unsure of how to get involved? Not to worry! The Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, which has been in operations for over 30 years, is more than happy to welcome new volunteers with a passion for helping children and adults overcome obstacles, and its committed staff make volunteering easy and rewarding.

Currently the Riding Center sees about 260 volunteers a week, 1000 volunteers a year, and an impressive commitment of over 40,000 volunteer hours a year. There are many volunteer opportunities at CTRC. Today, we will cover the top two opportunities that volunteers get involved in. The firstis a Lesson Volunteer.. A lesson volunteer is active as either a side walker, as the name suggests, walks next to and aids is supporting the rider or a horse leader, again as the name suggests, leads and is responsible for the horse. No experience is necessary only a "can do" attitude as CTRC provides all the training to make you a confident and skilled lesson volunteer. All new volunteers take an initial 3 hour New Volunteer Orientation You do need to be 16 years old or 14 and have a lot of previous horse experience. Those wishing to be horse leaders attend an additional Horse Handling Clinic. The second is to become a member of one or more of CTRC's volunteer "teams".team. Generally seasoned and committed volunteers who are looking for additional applications or development of their skills become a part of the Schooling Team, Training Team or Barn Team. . The Schooling Team assists in keeping CTRC's therapy heard in excellent working condition. The training team works with new volunteers through orientation. The Barn Team "adopts" members of our therapy heard to give extra TLC to weekly.

To see a more detailed explanations of the different types of volunteer opportunities, check out the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center’s volunteer webpage at: http://www.ctrcinc.org/volunteer/opportunities.html



So now you may be asking, how do I get involved? The easiest way to get involved is to send an email to CTRC's Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@ctrcinc.org or call her at 303.652.9131. The Riding Center also encourages walk-ins to come and talk to someone in the office about how to become involved during regular working hours (9am-5pm M-F and Saturday 9am - 3:00pm when in session). The center is located at 1968 Mineral Road in Longmont. You know you found it when you see the giant “Volunteer Here!” sign. For more directions click on this link to view a map: http://www.ctrcinc.org/contact/contact_map_zoom.html.

At this point you may be thinking to yourself, why should I get involved with the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center? Aside from being able to work with some amazing and well trained horses, volunteers work with special needs children and adults who look forward to riding every week. The benefits of horse therapy are visible in each session, leaving the volunteers with a great attitude that last beyond the session. Plus, you have the opportunity to be the Volunteer of the Month, and maybe even the Volunteer of the Year!

Calling All Instructors!

Hi again readers!

Summer is approaching rapidly in the beautiful state of Colorado!  Do you have a summer job lined up?  The CTRC needs two of each position to work Monday through Thursday May 31^st to August 12.  The All Abilities Horse Camp is a day camp for children with disabilities, as well as their siblings and friends, to ride horses, do barn chores and art projects, and participate in group activities in a welcoming, happy environment. 

The position for Summer Camp Councilor work with other staff through the CTRC to lead activities as well as educate the children through team building exercises as well as solo activities.  Councilors are there to guild and encourage children through their activities and create a lasting memory for all the participants.

Summer Camp Instructors are responsible for teaching two all abilities riding groups in the morning.  Camp Instructors should be creative and responsible during classes and activities. 

There are some requirements to this unique summer job.  To learn more click on this link:  http://ctrcinc.org/about/employment.html.

If you love working with children and horses this could be the perfect job for you!  Feel free to contact Penelope Powell at penelope@ctrcinc.org to send in your resume and cover letter.  

National Institute of Nursing Research

Hi readers,

As you know, the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center works with children and adults with special needs through therapeutic horseback rid

ing. Starting in 2007, the Children’s Hospital worked with CTRC to examine the effects and benefits of Therapeutic Riding for children diagnosed along the autism spectrum. The study of 41 children between the ages of 6 to 16 showed extreme improvements in motor control, expressive language, hyperactivity, irritability, lethargy, and other behaviors within two years.

In 2010 The National Institute of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health awarded Children's Hospital Denver, University or Colorado Denver and CTRC a grant continue the study but on a grander scale. Specifically, the study will focus on the short term and long term effects of Therapeutic Riding on children diagnosed along the autism spectrum with a control group over 4 years. A detailed discretion of the results can be found at
http://www.ctrcinc.org/programs/PDF/IMFAR2010.pdf. The results were shared at the International Meeting for Autism Research.

The National Institute of Nursing Research conducts studies and is based around creating the best possible life for individuals with disabilities or other illnesses as well as reducing the risk of diseases. More information about the NINR here: http://www.ninr.nih.gov/AboutNINR/.

For further questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to email Amy Shoffner, the Community Site Director and NARHA Advanced Instructor at Amy@CTRCinc.org or leave a comment below!

Carmella

Hello again readers!

Have you ever seen a horse shorter than yourself?  How about a horse smaller than a Great Dane?  If your answer is “no” to either of these you may want to come on over to the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center and meet Carmella, or better yet, she’ll come to you!  Carmella is part of the Mini Troopers program through CTRC and she actually goes on visits to meet and interact with  groups with special needs within CTCR's community. 

You may be thinking to yourself, “How could such a small horse really make a difference in anyone’s life?”  Simple.  She is so gentle, caring, and loving towards humans that anyone can easily find a natural connection to her.  Carmella is known to brighten even the worst moods by simply placing her head on ones lap and gazing lovingly and compassionately into ones eyes.   I mean, come on, who doesn’t instantly love a mini horse?  Carmella sees so many smiles and happy people the moment she walks through the door.  To see a list of places Carmella has visited check out the CTRC’s Mini Trooper webpage at http://www.ctrcinc.org/programs/minitrooper.html. 

By now you are probably excited to meet Carmella, and she is excited to meet you too!  Last year alone she met over 800 people on many different visits to long-term care facilities, schools, parks, and even an Easter egg hunt!  As long as the conditions permit, Carmella and her posse (of at least five people including CTRC's Outreach and Education Coordinator, Sue, and volunteer members of CTRC's outreach team) would love to come and meet you and anyone with special needs.  Carmella loves going on visits because it gives anyone with special needs that is unable to come into the CTRC a chance to have a bond between a human and animal. 

So now that you are officially sold on the idea of meeting Carmella,  you ask yourself how could this get any better?  She has a daughter!  Scarlett, who is smaller and has a darker mane, is now six years old and training to be part of the Mini Trooper crew.  When neither of them are training, visiting, or entertaining, Scarlett and Carmella love to laze around in their field while eating hay and soaking up the sunlight.  If you are too excited to wait and see Carmella you can join her facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CTRC-Mini-Troopers/141340442563343. 

Summer Camp Registration!

Hello Readers,

Andrew here, from The CTRC blogging team, I would love to take a minute and encourage you or someone you know to sign up for our 2011 Summer camps. Who doesn’t want to spend the summer outside riding horses?  Don’t miss the opportunity to get outside, makes some friends, and meet our friendly horses. 

Session Dates: June 6^th- August 15^th (10 weeks)

Price: TR Group $350 / TR Private/Semi Private: $400

Hippo $350 + $45/week to Therapist

**Payment is required at the time of registration**

Registration Deadline:  April 30th

Rider Registration:

At CTRC rider registration is open to current riders, past riders and riders who have successfully completed an evaluation. Registration is held four times a year - prior to the start of each session and may be mailed, faxed or handed in at CTRC.

CTRC is now offering online registration but if you still prefer to download your registration form and fax, mail or turn in your registration form at CTRC you can still do that as well!

For registration packets please visit the following link.

http://www.ctrcinc.org/riders/registration.html#Reg

Speaking Greek with CTRC: "Hippotherapy"

Greek Week

At CTRC we speak Greek daily. "Hippotherapy" originates from the Greek word "hippos" meaning horse and translates into "treatment with the help of the horse". Based on the idea that horse’s natural three-dimensional movement - which mimics human gaits  - actively encourages the participant to responds to the horse’s gentle rhythm whether positioned on the horse facing forward or backward, sitting sideways, lying down, or standing.

Hippotherapy is a tool used by certified therapist (PT, OT, ST) to improve overall balance, strength, muscle control and tone, motor development and coordination. It is gaining popularity throughout the work and is notably effective as a unique aide to those with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions. The therapist at CTRC who conduct Hippotherapy are therapists therapists who have advanced education, are registered and certified with the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA), are a certified Registered Level NARHA instructor, as well as have credentials demonstrating their working knowledge of the safe and effective use of the horse’s movement as a therapy strategy integrated with neuromotor function and sensory processing.

A short video below provides an inside look on how Hippotherapy works:







Here is a list of general indications that might make Hippotherapy the correct treatment for you, your child, or someone you know.

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Cerebral Palsy
Develop mental Delay
Genetic Syndromes
Learning Disabilities
Sensory Integration Disorders
Speech-Language Disorders
Traumatic Brain Injury/Stroke

Looking for further information on CTRC's Hippotherapy program?  Please contact HYPERLINK " mailto:penelope@ctrcinc.org?subject=Hippo%20Inquiry"Penelope Powell, Program Coordinator, or call (303) 652-9131.

CTRC's Derby Style Run of the Roses Gala

And they're off...Saturday May 7th is CTRC's derby style Run of the Roses Gala. It’s one of our biggest events and  promises to be an elegant and delightful evening of big stakes (live auction), thrilling chances (raffles and races) and delectable dining provided by Greens Point Catering!

Post time for the Gala, will be at 6 pm at the Lionscrest Manor in Lyons, Co. Everyone will be all dressed to impress, including a derby hat contest, so ladies, don't be shy dare to go big and bold. Fellas, I mean, what can I say, it will make her happy. All kidding aside, it will be great, and it’s for a good cause - cheering on those with special needs in our community. If that doesn’t pull at at least one of your heartstrings you need to get your strings checked. Think about it.

Lionscrest Manor. Pretty nice huh? There’s a hot tub too. Maybe, you don’t know. 

Equine Assisted Activities

What in the world is Equine Assisted Activities? We get it - Alot. Most understand it  has to do with horses but the real question is what does it do, how does it work? Well, being pioneers in this area for over 30 years we have answers. Equine Assisted Activities (EAA) is perhaps not as traditional as some treatments but boy, oh, boy does it get results.  EAA been shown to aid a wide spectrum of physical, psychological, cognitive and social ailments - from cerebral palsy to autism, multiple sclerosis to low self esteem. The list goes on and on…but we listed a few for you so you would know we really weren't kidding.

    •    Autism
    •    Brain injury
    •    Alcoholism
    •    Parkinson’s
    •    Learning disabilities
    •    Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
    •    Seizures
    •    Cerebral palsy
    •    Visual and hearing impairment
    •    Down’s syndrome
    •    Greif
    •    Anxiety and various phobias

CTRC offers EAA to assist in recovery of traumatic injuries, address special needs and aide in the development of life skills. The uniqueness of EAA lies in the gait  and unconditional acceptance of  the therapy horse. Horses have a three dimensional swinging motion to their gait - just as we do - Go figure. More than just a ride on the range? You bet. The rider experiences up/down, forward /backward, and side-to-side motion – an interactive experience that stimulates muscle, brain and social activity and in turn increases a rider’s posture, balance, strength, focus and coordination - wait there is more -  also positively enhancing flexibility, self-awareness, confidence and a sense of independence.

We witness the power of EAA on our participants every day.

    • Improved posture control and balance
    • Increased muscle tone and strength
    • Greater range of motion
    • Decreased spasticity
    • Development of learned skills
    • Tactile awareness and sensory integration
    • Greater skill at sequencing, patterning and motor planning
    • Increased self-control and awareness
    • Better emotional control
    • Greater self-awareness and self-confidence
    • Increased experiences
    • Improving social skills and cooperation

Want to learn more of more about EAA?  Visit http://www.equine-therapy-programs.com
Want to see EAA in action? Visit us at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center

So remember, no moment of life is wasted spent in a saddle. Ride on! 

CTRC's Equine Therapists

Hello readers!

"We love horses for what they embody: freedom, spirit, adventure, perseverance, and drive." – Family member of a current CTRC rider.

Equine Therapist?

Horses, or as they are known at CTRC "equine therapists", are clearly at the heart of CTRC and its programs.  Equine therapist are fundamental to CTRC's mission of changing lives through equine assisted activities not only because the horse’s natural three-dimensional movement mimics a typical human gait is critical to our riders’ clinical progress, they provide the unconditional acceptance and bond with our riders that often becomes the motivating catalyst for every area of our riders’ lives. CTRC humbly recognize that without the generous support of our community through the donation of steadfast and endearing horses our mission would cease to be achievable. 

CTRC Cares:

Smokey

Undeniably, each equine therapist, in their herd of 25 - meet them here-, takes exceptional care of CTRC's riders. They in turn, see to the equine therapists every need - optimal nutrition, exercise, a preventative care regime that maximizes health (regular vaccination and de-worming), soundness (routine hoof care and farrier services), and well being (monitored work and daily turn out on 30 irrigated acres of pasture), an individual run with shelter, fitted tack and last but certainly not least a personal “barn buddy” and "schooler". A “barn buddy” is a volunteer that provides that extra one-on-one undivided love, care, and attention to their assigned horse and a "schooler" is a specially selected and trained volunteers that keeps each horse physically fit, balanced and mentally fresh. 

Another perk to being part of CTRC's therapy heard is that every other Friday they are the recipients of deep tissue massages performed by members of the Boulder College of Massage Therapy. If this doesn’t sound like horse heaven, I don’t know what does!

Having the right stuff?

CTRC is always considering horses for their Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy and Summer Camp programs. Do you have a horse or know of a horse that is qualified and up for the challenge?

Sally

·    My horse is physically sound, and does not have any major health related problems.

·    My horse tolerates two people working on both sides simultaneously.

·    My horse is at least 6 years of age and has some level of professional training.

·    My horse can tolerate loud noises and does not startle easily.

·    My horse can maintain his cool when startled by moving objects.

·    My horse is a comfortable mount with even gaits.

·    My horse can handle uneven weight on his back.

·    If a rider becomes unbalanced, my horse will stop and wait for the rider to regain  

control.

If you checked each box then the horse you are thinking is a great candidate for a career as an “Equine Therapist”! Call 303-652-9131 or contact Loraine at loraine@ctrcinc.org to find out more and start the donation process.

The process begins with a phone assessment of the background and current condition of the horse in question. If all goes well a meet and greet and evaluation of the horse is conducted by CTRC staff.  If selected, the horse enters a 60-day trial period at CTRC. If the trial period is a success, donation papers are signed and the horse becomes a proud and beloved member of CTRC therapeutic herd. When the time comes for the horse to retire the donor is always offered to have the right of first refusal. If first refusal is waived, CTRC ensures to either continue providing exceptional attention and care for the horse or carefully selects an appropriate loving home.

Shane sticking his tongue out for the camera

 So keep in mind this wonderful home and career for qualified horses that could use a new career! Anyone can make a profound difference in the lives of our special needs participants by donating a horse to CTRC. Not only does donating a horse provide a much needed service for our riders but is also tax deductible.

Help Make a Difference

Volunteering and donations. The life blood of any non-profit organization. You love horses, what are you waiting for? As the saying you into giving, by any means, but if you are on the fence about either volunteering or donating, here are some ideas to hopefully put you over the top.

·     There are no minimum hours to volunteer or amount to donate

·     You meet lots of great people, both other volunteers and people in the organization

·     You help your self, you can’t help but to feel better

·     Though some volunteers are NRHA certified (NARHA.org for more information) not all have to be

·     The organization puts on lots of fun events all year round, like the “Run of the Roses” gala

·     Hoses are great, I don’t really know how else to say it

·     You get to be outside, people always say how they want to got out more

·     There just is not any down side

            

Hopefully these maybe brought up some ideas you had not thought of. If you get to know the organization you won’t be disappointed. As always you can get any information you need from their website at ctrcinc.org/getinvolved/getinvolved.html. So get out there.

goes, “don’t almost give.” Almost means you didn’t. Now I’m not trying to guilt 

Famous Horse Movies

Today, I would like to take a moment a celebrate horses’ great accomplishments in film. Some people may not know that the son of the horse Vigo Mortensen rides in “The Lord of the Rings” films now resides at CTRC. It’s true, in fact they are pretty proud of it. They’re telling everybody. With that in mind, let’s take a look back at the silver screen’s more memorable equine stars.

 

Here is the horse from “The horse whisperer.”  I have never seen it, but I assume she or someone else whispers to it. None the less a lot of people were talking about it for a while.

This is of course the majestic creature from the 1994 classic “Black Beauty.” That was a great movie.

Now “Seabiscuit.” Not the real Seabiscuit, he died. 

Let’s switch things up. Instead of horses featured in the movie, here are some great supporting horses.

To all the horses, and cattle for that matter, from “City Slickers,” I say kudos. The main one especially did a great job. I also loved him in “Home Alone.”

Finally we take a look Clint Eastwood’ horse from “Unforgiven,” certainly one of the favorite westerns among people who watch westerns. That must be one tough horse.

STRIDES Magazine to Feature CTRC

Once just wasn't enough.

From 2007-2009 Children's Hospital-Denver, the University of Colorado-Denver and the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) teamed up in a ground breaking pilot study on the effects of therapeutic horseback riding (1 hour a week for 10 weeks) had on children ages 6-16 years. Categories measured after each session included the following:  self-regulation behaviors, adaptive daily living skills, motor coordination, organization skills, and planning skills. The results were glowing.  The pilot study showed significant improvements in levels of irritability, lethargy, stereotypic behavior and hyperactivity as well as improvements in expressive language, motor coordination and motor planning. Read about the study here, in a poster presented at the International Meeting for Autism Research!  

Backed by the positive results of the initial pilot project, CTRC, University of Colorado-Denver and the Children's Hospital-Denver collaboratively pursued and were successfully granted funding through the National Institutes of Nursing Research of the National Institutes of Health (NINR/NIH) to continue to study for four years the effects of therapeutic horseback riding on school age children with autism spectrum disorders with the addition of an active control group on site at CTRC. In addition, the study will track the long-term effects of therapeutic riding. We started our first groups in March of 2011 and we are off to a fantastic start!

This research has the potential to benefit the lives of many children and to shape the future programs of the more than 800 therapeutic horseback riding centers across the United States. We know the services we provide have a huge impact and having scientific data  proving that - it doesn't get much better than that.

Check out the article featured in the Spring 2011 issue of NARHA's STRIDES Magazine.

Want to be a part of it all?
There are several ways you can help CTRC continue to function as a research site.

·       Consider volunteering at the CTRC for on-going classes; being a class volunteer for the research study requires training and experience.

·       Donate a horse or make a monetary donation.

·       If you know someone who might want to participate in the study please follow this link to the study recruitment flyer for more information.