Tack Up Therapeutic Riding Inc. was started to fill a need for additional therapeutic riding programs in the area. We provide riding lessons and other programs to those who wish to improve their quality of life through equine assisted activities. We are currently located at The Stables at Windy Acres in Litchfield, Ohio.
Programs
The riding and horsemanship program was created to provide individuals the opportunity to grow emotionally, cognitively, physically, and socially. Working with and experiencing the motion of a horse is very therapeutic in nature. In working with horses there is a cathartic experience when trust and understanding is built between the individual and the horse leading to behavioral and emotional growth. An individual can experience growth in their sense of responsibility, impulse control, and limit setting, in addition to an increase in their sense of independence, self-discipline, self-regulation, and self-relaxation when working with horses. Emotional growth can be seen through an individual’s self-confidence, self-awareness, mood regulation, and ability to deal with successes and failures. In addition, horsemanship can improve an individual’s cognitive ability by improving concentration, attention span, memory, and communication, as well as, providing opportunities for decision making, problem solving, sequencing, and practicing patience. While riding, the rhythmic motion of the horse moves an individual’s body similar to a human’s walk. This motion has been shown to improve flexibility, balance, rhythm/timing, and strength in certain individuals.
Lessons are created to cover various tasks of horsemanship in a safe and fun manner. Each lesson is tailored to an individual’s specific goals, abilities, and needs. Individuals are matched to a horse that will allow them to work on their specific goals based on the individual’s abilities and needs. Lessons (private or semi-private) are provided weekly and run between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the individual’s need. The program runs year-round.
Instructors
Christina Gerber is a CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor) with PATH Int’l. She brings years of experience working with horses and instructing those with special needs in horsemanship. In 1986, she started riding in 4-H and has continued to ride throughout the years. She started to take dressage lessons in 1996. Since receiving her PATH Int’l. certification in 2015, she has been instructing therapeutic riders in horsemanship. Horses and therapeutic riding are her main passions.
