The Mission of Grace
The Mission of Grace Under the Oaks, Inc. is
to provide a respectful and encouraging environment that fosters opportunities for learning and personal growth to individuals with special needs through adaptive riding and equine-assisted activities.
Our Services
Adaptive riding is recreational horseback riding lessons for people with special needs. Here at Grace Under the Oaks, this is taught by PATH Intl. certified instructors and is available for children and adults meeting our health and safety requirements. Participants find that the connection with the horses and equine activities enhance their lives and gives them the tools to overcome their challenges, providing them with the tools to overcome the trials of daily life.
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Grace Under the Oaks serves children and adults with a variety of cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges. Instructors design and monitor individualized lessons for each student to address their physical, emotional, and social needs while learning horsemanship and riding skills.
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Benefits of our Services
Physical - The three-dimensional motion of the horse provides the rider hip, back, and core action that simulates natural walking. Riding relaxes and strengthens muscles and improves body tone, posture, balance, joint mobility, and coordination.
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Emotional - Contact with horses and horsemanship training provides a non-competitive setting for learning. New abilities, self-discipline, and improved concentration build self-confidence and emotional well-being.
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Participation in our programs can also foster a foundation
of trust and an emotional connection between both animals and humans alike.
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Social - Horseback riding nurtures a positive self-image. Riders may, for the first time in their lives, experience some independence and a sense of being part of a team. It is an opportunity for them to interact with other riders and their team, building relationships that will further enhance their positive self-image.
About PATH International
Grace Under the Oaks (GUTO) serves the equine-assisted activities and therapies industry by utilizing the PATH International standards and protocols. GUTO is a PATH Intl. Member Center. GUTO allows only PATH Intl. credentialed instructors and professionals to lead sessions with clients.
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The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) is an international professional membership organization, overseeing the growth and development of equine-assisted activities and therapies.
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PATH International Mission Statement:
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) promotes safety and optimal outcomes in equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs.
Objectives:
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Advance the status and professionalism of PATH Intl. and the industry
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Sets standards for the industry
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Maintains code of ethics
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Offers instructor certification and center accreditation
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Promotes professionalism
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Provides educational opportunities
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Provides opportunities for marketing, PR and group insurance
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Code of ethics for centers, instructions and site visitors - each signed annually
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For more information, go to www.pathintl.org.
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