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(755 KB)Three
Gaits Instructors Successfully Advance
Their Certification Levels
By Dena Duncan
In June 2006 I attended an Instructor Advancement Workshop at High Hopes, a therapeutic riding program in Old Lyme, CT. It was a fantastic experience designed to help instructors become NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) Advanced Instructors. There are currently three levels of instructor certification available through NARHA: Registered, Advanced, and Master.
I returned from Connecticut excited and eager to become an advanced instructor. My enthusiasm was infectious. Angela Frank and Betsy Kelley were soon just as eager to challenge themselves. And this is a big challenge-passing NARHA's Advanced Instructor Certification isn't a "sure thing." With more than 700 therapeutic riding programs across the United States, there are only about 240 advanced instructors-and there were only five in our region (ND, SD, MN, and WI). Unfortunately, there weren't any Advanced Instructor Certifications scheduled nearby and the cost to send three people to Seattle for certification was extremely high.
Over the past few years we contemplated hosting a NARHA Registered Instructor On-site Workshop and Certification. When we realized that Rudi Meyer, hired last fall, was more than ready to become certified at the registered level, we knew it was time. Therapists aren't required to be instructors, but if they are not, they must have a certified instructor present during their work. This prompted Stephanie Bruschi, one of our therapists to decide to complete her Registered Certification as well. We contacted two NARHA Master Instructors, Lorrie Renker of New York, a cofounder of Three Gaits, and Kitty Stalsburg, a past president of NARHA and the program director at High Hopes for the past 20 years. Both are NARHA evaluators. After much encouragement from them, we decided to host both of the certifications on May 31-June 3. Angela and I publicized the event and suddenly the workshop and certifications were overflowing with people!
In preparation, Betsy, Angela, and I met regularly to review the objectives. With sections on Equine Management, Horsemanship, Instruction, Teaching Methodology, and Disabilities, the certification process is extensive. During the advanced instructor certification, we would take a written exam that covered all the sections.
There would also be an evaluation of our lesson plans and instruction of three different classes-10 minutes to teach two riders a skill to be assigned immediately be-fore the class; a 40-minute class of three riders with physical disabilities; and a 40-minute class of three riders with cognitive disabilities. We would also demonstrate our own riding skills followed by a discussion of the horses' strengths, weaknesses, and conformation. We would groom and tack horses in front of the evaluators-discussing horse management, care, feeding, health, and our experience with horses. And we would show our ability to safely work with and train horses on a longe line.
By the end of May, Betsy, Angela, and I were ready-as was Three Gaits. Sixteen people registered for the workshop, with 13 of those going on for their registered certification. In addition, we had four people sign up for the advanced certification (with three from Three Gaits). It was an extremely busy five days at Three Gaits-beginning before 8 A.M. and often ending in the evening well after 8 P.M. Everyone involved was a trooper; in particular Kitty and Lorrie-always encouraging, teaching, and watching everything.
At the end of Day 4, after having held 13 thirty-minute lessons that required 26 riders, about 30 volunteers, and all of our horses, we heard the great news that both Stephanie and Rudi had passed and were NARHA Registered Instructors. Angela, Betsy, and I took a few moments to celebrate with them, and then refocused on our final day of testing for the advanced level on Sunday. By Sunday at 5 P.M. we were exhausted, but ready for the final results. We were so excited and proud to hear that all three of us had met the requirements! Although there are lots of great people involved in therapeutic riding across the country, our region has few opportunities to learn from the leaders in our industry. Realizing that our region had only five Advanced Instructors-actually now eight with three from Three Gaits-made us even more proud of our accomplishment and our support of each other!
At the end of the weekend, we received lots of praise from Kitty and Lorrie on our program, facility, volunteers, and horses. All in all it was a great experience that demonstrated what a great place Three Gaits is. Our sincere thanks go to our volunteers, staff, riders, and horses, who all rose to the occasion with everyone working together to make the entire five days a great success. Going forward, we have renewed energy for providing funds for our staff to participate in continuing education-recognizing that we need to continue to venture outside of our region to continue to expand our horizons and challenge ourselves. We would like to bring the knowledge that we gain back to the region to share with other programs. Most importantly, we have a continued commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for our riders to develop their skills and participate to their fullest potential in the safest and most effective program we can provide.
Three Gaits Welcomes Recent Additions to Our Board of Directors
Three Gaits thanks four fine individuals who have agreed to serve on our board of directors. We know that they bring a wealth of talent, enthusiasm, and dedication.
Rob Gooze has had a long history with Three Gaits. His daughter started participating in the program when she was just three years old in 1991. Rob brings a lot of financial experience and general business sense to the board. Now retired, he was formerly an owner and executive at Pacific Cycle. Prior to that he was a certified public accountant and "tax guru." Rob has also been very active over the years with Madison South Rotary. He resides in Oregon with his wife, Mary. Together, they love to travel and try to stay in shape so they can participate in sprint triathlons. Rob is currently serving as Three Gaits treasurer.
Pam Moen feels very blessed in life and believes it's important to give back. A lifelong "horse person," Pam began volunteering in the Three Gaits lesson pro-gram last fall. She soon found it to be an amazing experience. She hopes her love of horses (in particular her Thoroughbred gelding, Winny), connections in the community, and professional experience will benefit the organization. Pam serves as public affairs director for AAA Wisconsin. Previously, she worked in communications and marketing for the American Red Cross, and as press secretary to a Wisconsin member of Congress in Washington, D.C. Pam resides in Middleton with her husband, Tom Thieding. They enjoy golf, biking, and travel to Arizona in the winter.
Deb Gunderson came to Three Gaits through the enthusiasm of her husband Jay, also a board member. Deb feels she and Jay will complement each other in what they bring to the board. Although Deb doesn't have a strong background with horses, she has observed firsthand what our horsemanship program means to our participants. Deb works in corporate benefits at Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. She enjoys her job communicating benefits to employees. Deb and Jay live in Mount Horeb with their son, Jordan, who recently graduated from UW-Stout, and their Great Dane, Atlas. They enjoy traveling, backpacking, hiking, kayaking, and anything outdoors-including gardening and their koi pond in their backyard.
Linda Wuebben rekindled her love for horses in the last ten years through dressage and was immediately hooked. About seven years ago she went to her first dressage schooling show at Three Gaits and has been competing ever since. Her current dressage partner is Picasso, a 10-year-old Dutch Warm-blood gelding. Because of the sheer joy she experiences through riding, Linda wanted to help others have that same chance-and she thoroughly enjoys her time volunteering in our lesson program. Linda feels that her sales and marketing skills will be an asset to our board. She has been a real estate broker for the past 25 years and works specifically in new construction of custom homes and condominium communities. Linda is also an avid runner and has competed in six marathons, including the Boston Marathon. She also enjoys golfing, reading, and travel.
We also express gratitude to Dan Oakland, Mike Scholz, and Linda Wells, board members whose terms recently expired. We appreciate the service they gave to Three Gaits and our board. Special thanks to Dan for serving three consecutive three-year terms (the maximum allowed by our bylaws) and to Mike for his great work as treasurer.
Learning
to Drive: A Volunteer's Driving Adventure Tale
By Diane King
Did you know Three Gaits is developing a therapeutic carriage-driving program? In January, Sandra Faust met with volunteers interested in driving. The cold weather couldn't stop us!
Volunteers learned about the parts of the harness and proper fit through video, materials and hands-on review of two different types of harnesses. We practiced our reinsmanship using a "rein board" to become comfortable holding the reins and whip. We also took turns being the "horse" and felt the importance of rein contact and clear cues.
| The first milestone as
a driving volunteer was learning to ground drive. For ground
driving, long reins (or lines) are attached to the horse's bit
and go through a surcingle (a strap with rings that wraps around
the horses girth). Using the lines and your voice (and a whip as
an aid), you communicate with your horse from the ground.
This may sound easy, but I learned ground driving takes coordination and practice. During my first session when changing direction, I kept getting the whip caught in the lines, or the lines would get tangled between my legs. Both Nora and Dusty are well trained and were very patient whenever I needed to get organized and try again. |
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Soon I felt confidant enough to ground drive through an obstacle course, weaving through flag poles and cones at both the walk and trot.
In spring, volunteers were ready for the second milestone: to harness, hitch and drive Nora from the cart. Safety has been stressed throughout volunteer training and is a constant factor during the harnessing and hitching procedure. Details include correctly putting on the harness, securing the leather straps, and checking to ensure everything fits properly.
Two sets of driving reins are used in therapeutic driving. One set for Sandra as the "able-bodied whip," and one set for the student (in this case the volunteer).
For my first driving adventure, once we were both in the cart, Sandra warmed up Nora and reviewed what she was doing and why. Then it was my turn to take the reins. Sets of cones to drive through at both the walk and trot provided a focal point as I learned to communicate with Nora and guide the cart through various patterns. I ended up running over a few cones, but still felt a sense of accomplishment. The benefits of therapeutic driving have new meaning to me now as a volunteer!
More information on the Three Gaits Therapeutic Driving Program can be found at http://3gaits.org/driving.html
Chair Affair 2007 Surpasses Fund-Raising Goal
The Sixth Annual Chair Affair and Auction to benefit Three Gaits program was a resounding success. Chair Affair 2007 raised a total of $24,000. The event, held at the Sheraton Madison Hotel on May 3, featured 65 artistic chairs, benches and various other works of art. Proceeds from the event go toward supporting out therapeutic horsemanship program.
According to Mary Ann Zwaska, event chairperson, "As the pieces were collected for the silent auction, committee members heard a great deal about how ser-vices provided by Three Gaits impact the lives of so many. My son, Chris, works for Milwaukee SportsService, which provides concession services for the Milwaukee Brewers. He asked his supervisors about donating a Brewer stadium chair and learned that a member of the management team had a son who was involved in therapeutic riding. As a result, SportsService donated both the stadium chair and the raffle item (20 tickets to a Brewers game in a luxury suite at Miller Park). This is just one story that is reflective of the positive impact therapeutic riding has in a community."
We are very grateful to all our sponsors and donors, and to all who attended the event and made it so successful.
Busy
Teen Always Makes Time for Riding at Three Gaits
By Lynn Hanus
Meeting Nelson Reisdorf is a real pleasure. You soon discover that he doesn't seem like the typical ninth grader-he's got to be even busier and more active than most kids his age!
Riding is just one of Nelson's many interests and hobbies, but it might be the one he's been involved with the longest-probably since he was about four years old. Nelson's parents, Jim Carlson and MC Reisdorf, encourage all his activities, which, when you consider them as a whole, mesh together and complement each other. Through swimming, martial arts, and riding, Nelson has developed strength, endurance, and balance.
| Nelson thinks that
Three Gaits offers "the best horse-riding ever." His
favorite horses are Howdy and Beau. (He also really likes the
barn cats-which isn't surprising considering Nelson has three
cats of his own: Bernie, Olive, and Sophie.)
"I like the posting trot and I like to go outside," Nelson adds. (A rider posts the trot when he raises his seat out of the saddle for one beat then sits for the second beat in a kind of "up-down-up-down" rhythm with the action of the horse's forelegs. This smoothes out the trot for both horse and rider.) It takes practice to learn to post correctly, which Nelson now does easily. One of the things Nelson is working on is improving his balance by posting the trot "no hands"-that is, with no reins and hands on hips while a volunteer leads the horse. |
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Nelson's mom, MC, noticed a marked difference in his strength and walking soon after he started riding as a young child. Down syndrome not only causes delays in intellectual development but also physical issues with poor muscle development and sometimes respiratory, thyroid, or cardiac problems. "Everything is just so hard to do when your muscle tone is low," MC says. "Nelson was just exhausted after some of his very first riding lessons," MC recalls. "But he has developed so much over the years. He's gotten so strong."
Nelson's concentration and confidence are also evident as is his ability to steer his horse and to follow directions through a sequence of tasks during his lesson.
Nelson also enjoys martial arts and participates on Team Blast. "I have a yellow belt," he says proudly, "and I'm working on my orange belt."
He also regularly attends the Wisconsin Lions Camp during the summer on a lake near Rosholt. He likes visiting Wisconsin Dells and the water parks. He also goes to theater camp. Nelson attends Madison East High School, where he is involved in the Homework Club and Hip-Hop Club. With all these activities on his schedule, you might wonder how Nelson's managed to keep up his riding at Three Gaits, but we're so glad he has because this busy young man is a joy to have in our program.
Horsemanship of a Different Color: Defining Our Therapies
Therapeutic horsemanship is the basis on which Three Gaits was formed, but the true meaning behind the concept might not be entirely clear. In the next few issues of our newsletter, we'll explore various aspects of this fascinating field and get to know our instructors a little better too!
What is therapeutic horsemanship?
"Therapeutic horsemanship is one aspect of Equine Assisted
Activities (EAA), which involves a host of activities and therapies
developed for children, youth and adults with special needs and
disabilities," states Dena Duncan, program director for Three
Gaits. "Some examples of EAA are therapeutic riding, therapeutic
driving, hippotherapy and equine facilitated psychotherapy."
The term "therapeutic horsemanship"-sometimes referred to as recreational or sport riding-is used at Three Gaits as opposed to "therapeutic riding," Duncan explains, because riding (mounted) and unmounted activities are incorporated into the lessons.
Is it true "therapy"?
While physically and emotionally benefiting, therapeutic riding
and/or horsemanship is surprisingly, not therapy. Therapeutic
horsemanship lessons at Three Gaits are taught by one of five NARHA
(North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc.)
certified therapeutic riding instructors, or one of the NARHA
instructors in training under the supervision of a NARHA certified
instructors (see Getting to Know Your Instructors).
Benefits of therapeutic
horsemanship
No matter what the ability level of a rider, the sense of freedom
experienced from being on a horse is one that's hard to match.
Imagine someone who has trouble maintaining their balance walking
across a gravel parking lot, and how they must feel when they ride a
horse across that same space-or trot across an open field!
"Emotionally, riding is a fantastic way for children to develop independence and self-reliance," says Duncan. "Children realize that if they clearly give directions, they have the ability to affect their horse-and horses offer immediate feedback. If a child's attention drifts, the horse loses focus as well."
"Physically, there are many benefits for people as well," states Duncan. "The rhythmical movement of the horse is very "organizing" for children who have sensory issues, such as children who seek a lot of input to help their systems regulate. They love the movement, so we'll often have them ride a horse that has a lot of movement, such as Duan or Hank, or a horse that offers a lot of feedback, such as Nora." In turn, Duncan explains that children who have the opposite characteristics-those whose systems are easily overwhelmed-do better on horses that are more regulated and steady, such as Snowcap or Howdy.
Sitting on a moving horse causes rider's bodies to make postural adjustments just to stay upright and balanced, explains Duncan. "This strengthens the abdominal area of riders while they have fun at the same time." As riders become more balanced and secure, instructors begin to add games that encourage riders to "let go"-throwing or catching balls, going through obstacle courses, doing scavenger hunts (see Spotlight On…Angela Frank), or altering the speed of the horse or length of stride in fast/slow games.
Candidates for therapeutic
horsemanship
Anyone who has an interest and the determination to try to ride is a
candidate for therapeutic horsemanship. "Unfortunately, there
are some people for whom riding isn't a good option," states
Duncan. "There are many inherent risks to riding a horse, and we
all accept that, but when the outcome of a fall is likely to result
in more harm than the possible benefits gained from riding, then
riding is contraindicated and not a good idea." Three Gaits
follows the guidelines established by members of the national
organization, NARHA, before anyone is accepted into the program.
Getting to Know Your Instructors
All Three Gaits instructors must be North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA) certified-a process that typically takes one year-in order to supervise lessons at Three Gaits. "There are three levels of certification available through NARHA: Registered, Advanced and Master," explains Dena Duncan, program director for Three Gaits. She also notes the importance of "having an interest in and knowledge of horses, as well as an interest in working with individuals with varied learning styles and abilities."
Currently, there are four NARHA Registered Instructors at Three Gaits: Sandra Faust, Rudi Meyer Stephanie Bruschi and Karen Petrow. Bruschi is also an Occupational Therapist who offers therapy at Three Gaits. Petrow is a NARHA Registered Therapist in Hippotherapy-an area that will be featured in the next issue.
Dena Duncan, Angela Frank and Betsy Kelley are now NARHA Advanced Instructors.
Missy Landphier, Three Gaits' farm manager, has also begun the process of becoming an NARHA certified instructor.
| Save the date for BARN BASH 2007
Barn Bash is for Every
One! |
Session II (Summer)
Lessons began the week of June 4-9, 2007
Lessons end the week of August 20-25, 2007
(12-week session)
Summer Horse Show: Sunday, August 19, 2007
Day Camps
June 11-15, 2007 Youngins Camp
June 18-22, 2007 Beginners Camp
June 25-29, 2007 Youth Volunteer Camp
July 9-13, 2007 Beginners Camp
July 16-27, 2007 Intermediate Camp
July 30-August 3, 2007 Youth Volunteer Camp
August 6-17, 2007 Intermediate Camp
Session III (Fall)
Rider Registration Deadline - August 20, 2007
Volunteer Training - Saturday, September 15, 2007
Lessons begin the week of September 17-22, 2007
Lessons end the week of December 10-15, 2007
(12 week session over span of 13 weeks - no classes during week
of Thanksgiving)
Remember to use www.GoodSearch.com when searching the Internet, and designate Three Gaits (Oregon, WI) as your designated cause.
Spring Raffle Winners Enjoy Miller Park
Our recent Spring Raffle winner was drawn at the Chair Affair and Art Auction on May 3, 2007. Sharon Ennis of Grandview Equestrian Center won the Miller Park Suite for the May 30 Brewers game. Sharon invited a group from Grandview to join her for the game. Even though the Brewers lost to the Braves that day, everyone had a great time.
| Spotlight
On… Angela Frank Q: What is your
personal philosophy on therapeutic riding? Q: How long have you been
instructing? Q: How did you get involved in
instruction? Q: What's your favorite
pastime? Q: How long have you been
riding horses?
Right: After a long day at Three Gaits, Frank unwinds by riding her Arabian/Quarter horse, Leigha, who she's had for nine years. |
Above: Scavenger Hunts are activities generally used to practice steering and stopping the horse, but a big part of the activity is in planning and executing. "Riders have to develop a plan in their head that identifies what they're looking for, how they're going to find it, what they do when they find it, and how to do it again," states Frank. "The scavenger hunt I used this night was called "grocery store," and involved a "grocery list" comprised of three food items." Each rider had to find the foods on their list (hidden throughout the arena), as if they were in a real grocery store, and bring them to the "shopping cart." "This particular class was accomplishing the riding goals I had hoped-sequencing, steering, stopping, using words to communicate with the horse and volunteers-and they were learning skills that can help them in life," says Frank, assisting a rider in the photograph. "It was a great way to practice reading and use a shopping list, as they would at a real grocery store."
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| Special Thanks to Lynn Hanus,
Teri Shore, Diane King and Heidi Goehring of Olive Juice Marketing
for volunteering their time to write, edit and design our
newsletters. Working with Three Gaits staff, they make this
newsletter possible! |
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Three Gaits Mission, Board Members, and Staff
Three Gaits, Inc., is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization whose mission is to provide a safe and effective therapeutic horsemanship program for children, youth, and adults with disabilities and special needs. Therapeutic horsemanship uses equine-oriented activities to promote and enhance the development of each participant's cognitive, physical, and communicative abilities, and positive self-esteem. Three Gaits strives to serve interested individuals within Dane County and the surrounding area. It is the policy of Three Gaits, Inc., to promote equal service and employment opportunities for employees, clients, board members, and applicants to the agency. Equal service and employment opportunity means the treatment of those categories of people mentioned above without regard to their age, race, sex, creed or religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, color, disability, ancestry, or political affiliation.
Board members:
- President: Cindy Frank
- Treasurer: Rob Gooze
- Secretary: Lynn Hanus
- Directors: Jay Gunderson, Steve
Link, Michelle Lonergan, Mary Ann Zwaska,
Pam Moen, Deb Gunderson and Linda Wuebben
Staff:
- Executive director: Chris Ziemba
- Program director: Dena Duncan
- Farm manager: Missy Landphier
- Barn maintenance: Jason Timmens
- Instructors: Sandra Faust, Angela Frank, Betsy Kelley and Rudi Meyer
- Occupational therapists: Stephanie Bruschi and Karen Petrow
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