FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC RIDING?
A: At TREC, therapeutic riding is designed to provide equine facilitated activities to the disabled and/or special needs population within our community. Teams of trained volunteers and an instructor support the rider through six levels of instruction so that riders may master the skills needed to one day become an independent equestrian, depending on their disability. The focus is on the disciplines of sport and leisure riding techniques.

Q: WHO CAN BENFIT FROM EQUINE FACILITATED ACTIVITES?
A: (See: "Who does TREC Serve")

Q: IS TREC ACCREDITED?
A: TREC is a (NARHA) North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Member Center. They set our standards of operation and policies of practice. Our goal is to become a Premiere Accredited NARHA Center in 2004.

Q: WHAT SETS TREC APART FROM OTHER LOCAL PROGRAMS?
A: TREC is the only therapeutic riding program that is a NARHA member center, offers full-time programming, has certified instructors, and possesses volunteer trainings and community education courses.

Q: WHAT DOES THE NON-PROFIT STATUS MEAN?
A: Our 501 (c) 3 non-profit status is essential for us to provide this type of service to the disabled and special needs population of our community. The cost of one lesson can be in the range of $115-$175 per hour or more. The most a client will pay at TREC is between $35-$55. Our non-profit status enables us to raise the funds needed to pick up the remaining costs through corporate sponsorships of our horses, grant writing and private donations through individuals like you.

Q: WILL MY INSURANCE PAY FOR TREC SESSIONS?
A: If a medical doctor refers you to our program and we have a contract with a medical organization that provides the Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists and/or a licensed Mental Health Professional, then yes most insurance will pay for limited sessions. There are also funds available through other resources within the community, such as recreational programs, extended care services and grant programs. Check with the local first-contact agency for further information.

Q: AS A PARTICIPANT IN A THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM, IS THERE PROTECTION IN CASE OF INJURY?
A: As a NARHA Member Center, we are required to carry a General Liability Insurance Policy on our program, which covers our riders, volunteers and our instructors. There are risks involved with equestrian activities. At TREC we put safety for our riders and participants in the for-front and meet or exceed the NARHA standards.

Q: WHY THERAPEUTIC RIDING?
A: TREC provides a safe therapeutic environment that enables the client to experience naturally the physical, mental and emotional therapy involved with the everyday activities of being around and on the backs of hoses. Each client, depending on their disability, is exposed to learning how to catch, lead, groom and tack their equine partner. As the rider progresses, they learn balanced riding skills, which helps to develop their own ability to communicate to the horse through their own body.

Q: WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP?
A: Contact us by calling (719) 547-8315, and we will set up a tour of our program and introduce you and those interested to TREC. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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