Therapeutic Riding Instruction and Equine Studies Program
WaubonseeCommunity College is pleased to announce a new program which prepares students seeking certification as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor. The coursework for this program begins in the Fall of 2011.This program will consist of classroom-based courses taught at Waubonsee's Plano Campus (http://waubonsee.edu/about/facilities/plano/directions/index.php) in the fall and spring semesters, coupled with hands-on experience gained at our partner facility, EquineDreamsTherapeuticRidingCenterin Newark, IL in the late spring and summer months. A certified Instructor is able to conduct a safe, basic lesson to include teaching a riding skill to children and adults with emotional, social, behavioral, mental, and physical disabilities.Equine assisted activities are used for the purpose of contributing positively to the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well being of individuals with special needs. For those interested in gaining therapeutic riding instructor certification through PATH, International (http://www.pathintl.org) (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship), the sequence of course work(see below)and practicum experience will take approximately two years to complete.Waubonsee and Equine Dreams are PATH, Intl. Higher Education Members, (http://www.pathintl.org/resources-education/education/higher-education)and follow PATH curriculumto prepare students for success in the certification exam process. Individual courses within the program can be beneficial to anyone interested in many other areas in the equine-industry.If you are seeking enjoyment and employment as a trained professional in the horse industry, including such fields as barn manager, equine vet tech, trainer or assistant trainer, or horse care specialist, there are courses which will provide background knowledge and skills needed in these fields.
This class is designed to introduce you to topics in proper horse care and equine management. Subjects explored include: identifying breeds, markings and parts of a horse; exploring horse senses and behavior; equine nutrition and grooming; tack and tacking; fundamentals of mounting/dismounting. While this is a required course for those interested in PATH Intl. certification, this course is beneficial to anyone who works in the equine industry.
This course covers advanced areas of proper horse care and equine management. Topics covered include: stable management, equine health management, and recognizing the symptoms of poor health and illness. Horsemanship topics of ring figures, gaits, aids, and movement are covered. While this is a required course for those interested in PATH Intl. certification, this course is beneficial to anyone who works in the equine industry. Prereq: HCP931 ? Equine Studies I or consent of instructor.
Teaching Methodology for Therapeutic Riding Instruction
Spring - 2012
This course will build on the fundamentals of instructing horseback riding, while focusing predominantly on the instruction of those with special needs. Horsemanship preparation and safety in the therapeutic ring, including appropriate horse selection and the instruction of more than one rider will be covered. Mounts, dismounts, positioning, gaits, and the use of natural and artificial aids will be examined with a careful look at how an individual?s special needs impact each. PATH Intl. standards and information will be introduced. Prereq: HCP932 - Teaching Methodology for Riding Instruction or consent of instructor. Preferred co-requisite: HCP936 - Equine Studies II.
Introduction to Psychology for Therapeutic Riding Instruction
Spring - 2012
This course will build on fundamental concepts of learning essential to effective horseback riding instruction, with a focus on instructing clients with special needs. The class will explore the benefits and realm of therapeutic riding; examine the concepts of learning styles and favorable attributes of instructors who work with special needs clients; and introduce the precautions and contraindications unique to therapeutic riding instruction. Prereq: HCP933 ? Introduction to Psychology for Riding Instruction or consent of instructor. Preferred co-requisite: HCP936 ? Equine Studies II.
The Sequence of Courses Leading to PATH, Intl. Registered Instructor Certification
At WaubonseeCommunity College - Plano Campus
The progression of courses at WaubonseeCommunity College for those interested in pursuing PATH, Intl. certification is as follows:
Fall Semester - 2011
HCP931 - Equine Studies I
HCP932 - Teaching Methodology for Riding Instruction
HCP933 - Introduction to Psychology for Riding Instruction
Spring Semester - 2012
HCP936 - Equine Studies II
HCP937 - Teaching Methodology for Therapeutic Riding Instruction
HCP938 - Introduction to Psychology for Therapeutic Riding Instruction
Fall Semester - 2012
HCP941 - Therapeutic Riding Instructor NARHA Certification I
HCP942 - Health Sciences for Therapeutic Riding Instruction I
HCP943 - NARHA Standards and Contraindications
Spring Semester - 2013
HCP946 - Therapeutic Riding Instructor NARHA Certification II
HCP947 - Health Sciences for Therapeutic Riding Instruction II
HCP948 - Business Concepts for Therapeutic Riding
Thank you to Dr. Megan Coveyou of Fox Valley Equine Practice for coming and speaking to our Waubonsee students on Equine Field Emergencies. It was a great presentation and we really appreciate you coming out.
We will be having more presentations in the future so check back for future events!
PC209