Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship

Equine Assisted Learning addresses a wide variety of needs and is customized to meet the specific therapeutic or educational goals of each participant. Some of these goals include learning strategies for overcoming anxiety and depression, identifying, regulating and improving moods and overall mental health, improving cognitive function and the ability to follow a specific set of multi-step instructions. Other goals may include learning empathy for animals as well as other people, improving self-advocacy, communication and social skills, improving self-esteem and confidence. EAL is also used to meet specific educational goals determined by a parent, educator or additional service provider. EAL sessions are conducted by a professional educator and a PATH Intl certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Sessions are primarily conducted using ground work techniques. If riding is incorporated, a certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor co-facilitates the session.

Victory Hill staff specializes in effective trauma informed treatments for veterans, active military members, first responders and their families. Using the philosophies of the Natural Lifemanship Institute which focuses on how forming properly connected relationships changes the neurobiology and function of the brain and alleviates the effects of trauma, they offer tremendous healing and successful outcomes for their “Horses 4 Heroes” participants. The specific mission of Victory Hill’s “Horses 4 Heroes” program is to significantly reduce high-risk factors by working to improve the mental health of its participants, therefore effectively reducing the incidents of substance use disorders, unemployment, broken relationships and homelessness and to support veterans with a successful social reintegration process.
This program provides Trauma Informed Equine Assisted Learning (TI-EAL) and Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP) as an effective treatment alternative.

Stable Moments™ is a 10-month, weekly mentorship program where foster and adopted children achieve individualized life goals through Trauma Informed Equine Assisted Learning (TI-EAL). Through a trauma informed lens, the principles of neuropsychology are woven into each session and the effects of trauma are healed to create lasting change. The model utilizes volunteer mentors and PATH Intl Certified Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning to facilitate sessions. Licensed Mental Health Clinicians are also available for additional support as needed. Job readiness skills are taught to older teens and young adults who are getting ready to age out of the foster care system by preparing them for successful employment. This program improves stability and expands support to children and their care takers to ensure every young person from foster care is ready to move forward in a positive direction.

Hippotherapy is conducted by a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. During sessions, the child performs a series of exercises and movements on horseback to promote improved strength and coordination of identified muscle groups. The three-dimensional movement of the horse is instrumental in this process making Hippotherapy a highly effective form of physical therapy. This program is best suited for children ages two and a half to eight years old whose physician has recommended physical or occupational therapy. Strengthens muscle groups, improves balance, coordination, spatial/body awareness, postural control and both large and fine motor skills. There are many secondary benefits including improved speech, confidence and social skills.

Victory Hill offers teens and adults the opportunity to receive job skills training that can be used in almost any setting. The skills taught can be used successfully to gain and maintain employment or be more successful in a variety of volunteer positions throughout the community. Broad job skills include time management, prioritizing tasks, following multi-step instructions, dynamics of having a boss or manager, good communication, self-advocacy, getting along with co-workers and more. Participants can also learn about stable management, horse care, farm animal care (sheep, goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks, dogs and cats). Programs are individually designed to meet the needs and goals of each participant.

Victory Hill’s Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program provides Trauma Informed Equine Assisted Learning (TI-EAL) and Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP) as an effective treatment alternative to traditional clinical counseling. Using the philosophies of the Natural Lifemanship Institute which focuses on how forming properly connected relationships changes the neurobiology and function of the brain and alleviates the effects of trauma, Victory Hill’s program offers tremendous healing and successful outcomes for their EAP participants. The specific mission of the EAP program is to significantly reduce high-risk factors by working to improve the mental health of its participants, therefore effectively reducing the incidents of substance use disorders, unemployment, broken relationships, disruptions in education and homelessness.