Our History, Mission and Vision - Children's TherAplay Foundation, Inc.

Our History, Mission and Vision

Our History

The Children's TherAplay Foundation was established as a non-profit, outpatient rehabilitation clinic in 2001.  From the beginning, TherAplay has incorporated the innovative idea of using the movement of horses as a treatment tool within physical and occupational therapy sessions for children with special needs.

Equine-assisted physical, occupational and speech therapy has been practiced in the U.S. for more than 30 years.

Horse creates a dynamic, three-dimensional that cannot be reproduced in a traditional setting.  The gait, or stride of the horse, coupled with the animal's warmth, provides a number of benefits

"The progress Cole has made is beyond anything we could have imagined. It is heartwarming to know your child is loved by everyone here."

Cole's Family

Equine-Assisted Therapy Benefits Include

Improvements to:
   • muscle tone and strength
   • gross motor skills - sitting, standing and walking
   • range of motion
   • coordination
   • endurance
Advances in:
   • balance and equilibrium
   • head and trunk control
   • body awareness
   • posture
   • mobility
Positive effects on:
   • eye-hand coordination
   • limbic system function - arousal, motivation, attention
   • sensory-motor function
   • oral motor control, voice quality and communication

One-On-One Sessions

At TherAplay, each child's sessions are designed to achieve individual therapeutic goals, which are determined by the TherAplay treatment team in conjunction with the patient and their family.

Sessions are one-on-one and utilize the treatment tools in our child-friendly clinic as well as the horse as a tool.

"We feel very blessed to have become a part of the TherAplay family of therapist, staff and other families."

Suzanne Adcock, TherAplay parent

Safe and Effective Therapy

TherAplay horses are carefully chosen for their temperament and the type of movement they produce. All are specifically trained for their unique role within therapy sessions and are guided by professional horse handlers, which optimizes safety and effectiveness.

Because our program is so effective, TherAplay has grown to become one of the largest clinics of its kind in the country.

-Mission Statement-

TherAplay's mission is to provide children with special needs a foundation for developing life skills through innovative therapies in a safe and caring environment, including equine-assisted physical and occupational therapies.

-Vision Statement-

The Children's TherAplay Foundation, Inc. is a nationally renowned leader and educator in equine-assisted therapy, which is enthusiastically endorsed as an effective treatment tool for children with special needs.
TherAplay collaborates with organizations that share our passion for improving the lives of those we serve. By providing a warm and supportive environment, we help children and their families achieve their goals and dreams.

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