WLM | people
HORSES HELP HEAL
in Sheridan
By Kristen Marcus, CHAPS Executive Director
Images by CHAPS staff
C
hildren, Horses and Adults in PartnerShip Equine Assisted Therapy
(CHAPS), located in Sheridan, began in 2003 as a therapeutic riding
program for children and adults with special needs. In 2004, CHAPS
became a 501(c)(3). At the time, it had a part-time Executive Director, one
part-time instructor, three horses and a handful of clients.
Today, CHAPS has a full-time Executive Director, one part-time and one
full-time instructor, a part-time counselor, part-time barn manager, 10 horses
and approximately 60 clients per week. The program also has 30 volunteers
that help CHAPS with sessions and caring for the horses. Without the
support of these volunteers, the staff simply could not continue to make a
difference in people’s lives. Today, the program has expanded to include
therapeutic riding (TF), equine facilitated learning (EFL), equine assisted
activities (EAA) and equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP).
Therapeutic riding (TR) is a traditional riding lesson with therapeutic goals.
This program is best suited for mental delay, Downs Syndrome, anxiety,
anger, depression, etc., as well as some physical challenges. Success is
measured by completing activities and meeting benchmark goals set by the
instructor and health team of the client.
EFL can be mounted or un-mounted (usually un-mounted) and best serves
people with anxiety, ADHD, ADD, emotional challenges, anger and trust
issues. This program is usually done in a group and success is dependent
upon completing activities and meeting benchmark goals.
EAA is un-mounted and is for people who cannot ride due to injury, weight
(the horses have weight limits), fear, etc. This program works mostly on
communication; reading body language, learning boundaries, life skills, etc.
Success for this program is also based on completing activities and meeting
benchmark goals.
EFP is un-mounted group therapy. It is an experiential activity in which
the horses are used as metaphors. This activity is done with both a
licensed counselor and certified Professional Association of Therapeutic
Horsemanship (PATH) equine specialist in mental health and learning
(ESMHL). The activities are structured so the people must learn to think
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Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Autumn & Holiday 2015