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Therapeutic Driving Program

Three Gaits is in the process of developing a driving program. Our objective is to provide a wider-based therapeutic equine experience.

Driving produces many positive effects for participants. There are physical benefits, including improved hand-eye coordination, motor skills, muscular strength, and stability.

There are also improved cognitive skills, such as sequencing and spatial, environmental, and directional awareness. Driving helps students to develop trust, foster communication skills, and enjoy a sense of freedom. We want to enhance each student's self-esteem and confidence, and facilitate development of self-reliance.

Driving can be appropriate for many students. For some it may provide a means to prepare for horseback riding. For others who may no longer be physically able to continue to ride, driving can provide a way to remain active in the program. Driving will allow us to serve those with more limited mobility.

Driving Volunteer Sessions:

Friday, 2/29/08, 4:30-6:30pm
Tuesday, 3/4/08, 12:30- 2:30pm
Friday, 3/14/08, 4:30-6:30pm
Tuesday, 3/18/08, 12:30- 2:30pm
Friday, 3/28/08, 4:30-6:30pm
Tuesday, 4/1/08, 12:30- 2:30pm

(Continuing every other week Tues & Fri)

Note: Times are subject to change depending on weather.  Winter training sessions will be a combination of ground driving and hitching practices.

For questions, or to schedule additional practice sessions, contact Sandra Faust

Sandra driving Nora
Three Gaits Instructor Sandra Faust and
Nora have been learning to drive

With funds raised for this program, Three Gaits has purchased a driving cart and horse harness. Before the first class begins, our trained instructors will need to pass the five-day NARHA standards certification process for therapeutic driving. 

Volunteers are in the process of being recruited and trained. Driving volunteers have experience volunteering at Three Gaits, have horse skills, and are dedicated to supporting the driving program once it is up and running. You'll learn parts of the harness and how to check fit, learn the basics of ground driving, and once ground driving skills are developed move on to hitching and driving. 

Class size is likely to start small but is expected to expand as the program develops. We are very excited about the possibilities of a driving program and what it means to our participants.

Photos:

Click on an image to see a larger version. (Use "Back" button to return to this page)

Sandra harnessing Nora

 Sandra harnessing Nora
Lindsey, Sandra and Angela hitching Nora to cart Lindsey, Sandra and Angela hitching Nora to cart
Angela and Sandra driving Nora Sandra and Angela driving Nora
View from the cart Lindsey and Sandra taking Nora for a leisurely walk
Video Clips:

Click on one of the below images to play a Windows Media Video clip (4 to 7 seconds each).  If you do not have a video player on your computer that can play these videos, you may use Windows Media Player (free download).

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Three Gaits, Inc.    Therapeutic Horsemanship Center
 3741 Hwy 138 W    Stoughton, WI  53589    (608) 877-9086    3gaits@3gaits.org

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Page Last Modified 02/21/08