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School of Equine Studies at Lake Erie CollegeEquine Therapeutic Horsemanship| Major

This unique program combines practical coursework in equine studies, riding instructor training, business management, and education coursework with dedicated therapeutic horsemanship classes taught by PATH International certified instructors.

We offer two tracks to help you specialize in this exponentially growing field.

Instructor

This “boots in the sand” track prepares you to take your PATH Intl. certification exams upon graduation after completion of required teaching and internship hours. The course work includes riding instructor training and riding classes that fulfill most of the PATH’s exam requirements. This track includes business and education courses along with in-depth equine coursework.

Administrator

You do not need to take a riding class or instructor training classes when you choose this track. The course roster requires more in-depth business studies as well as human resource management, marketing, and accounting and prepares you to work in a non-profit business such as a therapeutic riding center.

For more information about Equine Therapeutic Horsemanship…

Pam Hess, DVM

Dean of the School of Equine Studies

1 (440) 375-8005

phess@lec.edu

School of Equine Studies at Lake Erie College

George M. Humphrey Equestrian Center

Featured Course Descriptions

CoursePrinciples of Therapeutic Horsemanship

This course explores the history of equine-assisted activities, the typical models used to provide services for people with disabilities or challenges, the benefits of therapeutic riding and the standards and best practices that apply. The course will explore the development of quality programming specific to meeting the needs of people with challenges. Goal identification, task analysis and lesson objectives will be examined. Various techniques and approaches to therapeutic horsemanship will be studied.

CourseAssisting with Therapeutic Riding

Students will learn how to select, assess, prepare and train horses to work as therapeutic horsemanship mounts. Students will work as side walkers, leaders and general assistants in therapeutic horseback riding lessons for persons with disabilities. Lessons will take place at the George M. Humphrey Equestrian Center.

Students will work under the instruction of PATH certied instructors. is course will provide experience in assisting persons with disabilities to learn about and ride horses. Students will assist with the development of lesson plans for their students, and provide care for the horses before, during and after the lesson.

CourseAccounting and Finance for Not-For-Profit Organizations

This course deals with the particular nuances of accounting for and managing the finances of a not-for-profit organization. An understanding of financial statements, the accounting process and basic financial management concepts is assumed.

CourseEquine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy

A comprehensive introduction to the theory and methods of equine assisted psychotherapy and equine assisted learning. This course focuses on how the equine specialist and mental health professionals work together in equine assisted psychotherapy. In classroom presentations, students will survey a variety of equine assisted learning and psychotherapy models. Lab experiences with horses will provide an opportunity to practice in the EAGALA model.

School of Equine Studies at Lake Erie College Faculty