Theraputic Riding/ Hippotherapy

HippotherapyIn a private retreat-like facility, we are a collaborative team of various professionals who integrate into traditional clinical treatments the use of the horse as a key tool. It is an effective treatment method for:

  • Physical and speech impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities
  • Teens with emotional/behavior disorders
  • Victims of violence and abuse
  • Self-improvement/awareness, encouraging responsibility, pro-social attitudes and communication skills
  • Improved mental and physical well-being
  • Peaceful parenting/family/child relationships
  • Corporate staff development

The programs’ efficacies transpire via the strength and motion of the horse. Used as a tool, the horse can mirror emotions and feelings that individuals may he unable to express verbally. Physically, riding results in better balance, coordination, and improved strength and mobility. In addition, specifically designed exercises with horses can experientially develop communication, relationship, and life skills as well as team building. When people acquire knowledge of how to read non-verbal body language, healing and growth result and they develop a heightened awareness of their personal space and surroundings.

Our teams create clear and concise plans to help individuals meet their goals, but they are flexible enough to adjust to the moment –a key component to achieving a positive outcome.

Host Site for:

Restorative Riding & Hippotherapy
Heidi Wehr-Kubalova, Physical Therapist

Heidi Wehr-Kubalova is a licensed physical therapist with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy. She has 13 years of experience in school-based pediatrics, outpatient orthopedics, long-term care, and inpatient rehabilitation. She is currently a Copley Hospital outpatient therapist and is also founder and owner of Stable Journeys, a traditional outpatient private physical therapy practice with the added benefit of hippotherapy (equine-assisted physical therapy). She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Hippotherapy Association. Heidi is trained in natural horsemanship and is the owner of 2 horses (River and Dasha) and a dog. She is married and has an infant daughter.

Call Heidi to discuss options (802)  760 – 7340

Equine Experiential Psychotherapy
Tina Desmarais, MA. LCMHC
Nature Based Psychotherapy & Learning™

Tina Desmarais is a licensed clinical mental health counselor offering nature-based psychotherapy and learning. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and has worked in the mental health field since 1991. Her areas of expertise include mental health issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety and self- awareness. She also does staff development, training, and coaching, and life-changes guidance. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Tina works out of her home, Nirvana Farm, and Woodsunwinds Natural Horsemanship Farm. She is married with one grown child and owns 3 horses (Gabe, Jake, and Sadie), 4 cats, and 3 dogs.

Call Tina to discuss options (802) 223 –  1177