Therapeutic Riding at Lake Erie College| Painesville, OH
Sign Up for the Therapeutic Riding Program at Lake Erie College Today!
What is Therapeutic Horsemanship?
Equine-assisted activities dedicated to development of cognitive, emotional, physical and social skills. Activities include; grooming, leading and riding horses. These activities are done under the supervision of a Certified Instructor.
Who qualifies?
Children ages 8-14 weighing under 150 lbs with developmental disabilities. Children looking to improve problem-solving skills, independence, emotional awareness, social responsibility and impulse control. We are only able to accept ambulatory participants at this time.
I have personally found the therapeutic riding class to not only be eye-opening but also inspirational. Helping anyone in need, especially children with disabilities in this case, is always rewarding. I have loved learning how to work with each one of the students' unique needs, and watching them respond positively to the horses. Seeing them progress each week makes it all worthwhile, and I especially love watching the incredible bond they continue to create with the horses.
Goals of Therpeutic Riding
Cognitive
Improve cognitive skills by using planning and judgement skills, memory, attention and the ability to put concepts to use.
Emotional
Horses naturally mirror emotion. Participants learn to identify emotional thoughts and feelings by working alongside equine partners.
Physical
Benefit from improved balance, strength, flexibility and motor skill development.
Social
Build social skills by bonding with equine partners and volunteers.
Meet Sarah Dwyer
Sarah Dwyer is the Therapeutic Riding Instructor for Lake Erie College. Sarah graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Lake Erie in 2018 in Business Administration/ Equine Entrepreneurship and a concentration in Therapeutic Horsemanship. During her undergraduate studies, Sarah earned her PATH Intl. therapeutic riding instructor certification. She completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration in 2020. While working on her MBA, Sarah was a graduate assistant for the equine studies program and the assistant coach of the IHSA Hunt Seat team. Sarah grew up riding and competing in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings in Michigan and continued riding and showing as an LEC student. Sarah was formerly the Riding Director for a camp program and has taught English riding lessons at a variety of locations.
