OUR PROGRAM
Here at the LIFE Therapeutic Equestrian Program we provide a whole, happy, strategic environment that students of any age and challenge or need can thrive in.
We customize our therapy plans so that each individual can feel cared for and strong in their own ways. Progress reports are constructed on a weekly or monthly basis so that communication stays clear and successes are focused on to increase growth accordingly.
Our staff is experienced and excited to work with you, your friends, and or your family.
We are certified in the Horse Boy Method and specialize in autism, PTSD, anxiety, and depression remedies.
Our clinically proven program puts those with neuropsychiatric conditions like PTSD, autism, anxiety, and depression into a healing environment using horses, small social animals, and movement-based activities. In these activities, specific movements activate the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex, helping participants achieve emotional regulation, communication, learning, and more.
During sessions, we put those with neuropsychiatric conditions into a healing environment using horses, small social animals, and movement-based activities. In these activities, specific movements activate the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex, helping participants achieve emotional regulation, communication, learning, and their individual goals. The Horse Boy Method used at ALTER Farm & LIFE School follows a six-stage process:
1. set up the right natural and human environment to work the whole family, not just the affected child/adult;
2. work body-to-body on the horse to calm the nervous system and reduce sensory triggers
3. ride with the child/adult to create increase oxytocin (the ‘tend and befriend hormone’) which aids in communication and learning
4. teach perspective and rule-based games on horseback to re-pattern the brain
5. teach academics on horseback
6. teach self-advocacy, help find their voice to think about livelihood, job and future
Therapy session rates start at $120/session and are fully customizable to each client. Time duration may vary depending on each case.
Do not hesitate to call or email with any questions or concerns.
Britnee Mantis - Owner/Operator - 206-949-2162 - lifeschooled@gmail.com
HORSE BOY METHOD
-----What is Horse Boy Method?------
A tried and tested, easy to follow, science-based well researched Equine Assisted Intervention that achieves social, behavioral, and academic goals through repatterning the brain, and calming the nervous system through nature and movement with the help of an equine partner.
Neuro-Scientists including Dr. Robert Naviaux and Dr. Allyson Moutry of UC San Diego, Dr. Temple Grandin Colorado State University and others endorse Horse Boy Method, because it gets results: it turns off the cell danger response in the brain; reduces cortisol; activates the learning centers of the brain; and creates neuro-plasticity.
Horse Boy Method is the only equine intervention, specifically designed for the nervous system and the brain. More than that, it was developed under the mentorship of adult autists such as Dr. Temple Grandin and neuro-scientists such as Dr. Robert Naviaux of UC San Diego. The brain child of autism Dad Rupert Isaacson, who stumbled upon an approach with his own son and a horse and then developed and refined this approach over a decade, Horse Boy Method is now used in about 30 countries worldwide and provides an effective program for cognitive, behavioral and even academic development in a way that feels joyful and easy, thus insuring investment from the client.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3PDNXUK89E
Non-Verbal
How Do We Work With Non-Verbal Clients?
- Visual boards
- Picture exchange communication system (PECS)
- Sign language
- Gestures
- Low technology interventions.
- High technology electronic devices.
Physical Challenges
How Do We Accomodate for Physical Challenges?
There are a couple methods we use for our physically challenged clients...
Long lining is a method where we control the horse from the ground, from behind, so the rider still feels independant but doesn't have to worry about controlling the horse.
We can also utilize co-back riding, where the instructor and client ride at the same time so the rider doesn't need to control the horse.
We have several staff members that assist with physically challenged clients in all different ways so where there is a will to get on the horse, there is most definitely a way!