SPECIAL SPIRIT PROGRAMS
WALK & TALK TRAIL RIDES
Walk our beautiful trails on horseback.
Talk with peers and develop social skills.
The Walk and Talk Trail Ride is a 45 minute experience that encompasses emotional intelligence and social engagement while also learning the basics of horsemanship and trail riding.
Participants in the Walk and Talk program will learn how to safely mount and dismount the horse, appropriate grooming and handling techniques on the ground, and the basics of how to ride a horse safely in a trail setting.
This is a unique way to learn horse care and riding while also working on social skills and community involvement. This program is designed to encourage participants to have meaningful discussion with one another and/or with our staff and trained volunteers.
​A Walk and Talk Trail Ride includes about 15-20 minutes of on the ground instruction and animal interaction, and about 20-30 minutes of riding either on a safe local trail or around our beautiful property on our Spirit Sensory Trail.
The program is run by PATH Intl certified staff with the help from dedicated and trained volunteers.
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The minimum age for the program is 3 years old.
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There is no maximum age to participate in our programs. For the well being of our horses there is a weight limit of 185 lbs. This is subject to change.
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We accept riders with all disabilities, providing that PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) does not list the disability as a contraindication to riding, and a doctor signs a release indicating that, in his or her opinion, riding would be acceptable for this person.
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All riders will be provided an ASTM-SEI approved helmet. Riders are recommended to wear long pants and must wear closed toe shoes or boots.
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Riders will use standard English or Western tack.
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Each rider, pending need, will be provided one teacher, a side-walker and/or lead line.
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Please be sure to arrive 5 minutes BEFORE your session start time.
PURCHASE YOUR WALK & TALK TRAIL RIDE
All lessons must be PAID IN ADVANCE.
SINGLE, $75
PACKAGE OF 4, $250
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellation notice must be made 24 hours prior to scheduled lesson in order to receive full credit of lesson fee. All package lessons must be finished within the month of purchase. We do not offer cash refunds.
"The people at Special Spirit truly are special.
I was amazed at their keen insight into the personalities and emotions
of my children based on how the kids interacted with the horses during their
EAP encounters. The activities were creative and helped my children
to be better aware of their emotions, actions and reactions,
and the affect these have on other people."
- SANDY, GAVIN & SANDY'S MOM
WHY HORSES IN THERAPY?
A UNIQUE APPROACH TO MEETING THERAPEUTIC GOALS
As explained in a study by Bonnie Lutz, SPT, CSCS (Chapman University August, 2010), currently with the Center for Developing Kids in Pasadena, CA. (Hippotherapy vs. Therapeutic Horseback Riding).