Equine Assisted Learning for Children on the Autism Spectrum Utilizing the Horse Boy Method
EquiTeam Support Services was established in 2007 to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy/Learning to at risk youth and families in need in York County and surrounding areas. Due to increasing demand for treatment of higher functioning children on the Autism spectrum (Asperger's), as well as referrals for lower functioning Autistic children it became the mission of EquiTeam to create a program to effectively treat all children on the Autism spectrum. To achieve this goal, EquiTeam connected with Rupert Isaacson to implement his "Horse Boy Method" with the already established Equine Assisted Learning program.
The Horse Boy Method was pioneered by Rupert Isaacson, his autistic son Rowan and their Quarter Horse Mare Betsy. In 2007 Rupert, his wife Kristin and Rowan rode across Mongolia together – a journey that became the book and film "The Horse Boy". Since that journey the Horse Boy Method has helped hundreds of families in Central Texas, North America and Europe to find the same incredible results in terms of sensory healing and direct communication with the exterior world.
EquiTeam's goal is to provide an environment in which autism families can find respite from man-made and industrial stimuli – which are known triggers for chronic episodes, seizures and tantrums of an Autistic child. As soon as the Autistic child (or young adult) has relaxed into this environment the horse is introduced.
Once the horse is involved, the sensory work begins in which the child lies body to body with the horse in various positions that calm the nervous system. Following the sensory work the riding part of the treatment begins. In Horse Boy Method the certified back rider is seated in the saddle, with the child in front and uses a combination of the horse's rhythms and rapid response prompting to establish or promote communication. It is from here that teaching of perspective-taking skills and academics (from very basic to really advanced academics, such as fractions, science, geography and general math) can be achieved.
The bottom line is that Horse Boy Method really works. When this is combined with the already proven Equine Assisted Learning model that EquiTeam Support Services currently utilizes, it is clear that the joint program offers limitless success.
It is the vision of EquiTeam to utilize this program in a mobile capacity. Horses will be taken to selected locations on a weekly basis. The sessions will consist of families entering into the friendly environment at agreed upon times. Session times will overlap so that families may interact with each other and create a stronger support network. Additionally, collaborating with different facilities in the York area and Northern Maryland will encourage networking for all parties.
Ellie and Marian are educated in the Horse Boy Method and Ellie is a certified 'Back Rider.' |
