WHAT WE DO . .
Therapeutic Horsemanship of West Michigan (THWM) is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization providing therapeutic and recreational horseback riding activities to physically, emotionally and mentally impaired individuals in Ottawa, Kent, and Muskegon Counties.
Benefits | Animal Welfare | Certified Instructors | Program Location | Safety
Benefits
THWM is a program filled with various equestrian-related activities including riding, stable management, and vaulting, with driving and trail riding options during pleasant weather.The activities are both challenging and rewarding for children and adults with disabilities. Horseback riding has proven to be one of the most effective forms of physical therapy used. Improved muscle tone, strength, posture, and balance are all acquired while riding. Therapeutic riding also provides excellent cardiovascular exercise, which helps improve circulation and reduces stress.
Individuals mentally or emotionally impaired also benefit greatly from the program's activities. Learning to guide a horse over poles and through mazes builds the mentally impaired rider's level of concentration. Emotionally impaired individuals gain confidence in their abilities and build a relationship of trust with their mount.
The most recognized benefit of the rider's experience is a higher level of self esteem and self confidence.
back to topAnimal Welfare
THWM accepts donations of unwanted or retired equines, creating second careers as therapy horses for them. Animals that would otherwise be unsuitable for competition or breeding or pleasure use are able to fulfill a purpose and extend their healthy useful lives. We provide a safe, caring and useful existence for the many horses and ponies serving as therapy mounts for their participants. In the past fifteen years, "tried and true" equines have shared their life experience with the physically, mentally, emotionally and behaviorally-challenged population in our community. After retirement from therapy work, THWM places these animals in foster or adoptive homes, to allow them to live out their lives with dignity. Further information about this program is available on the Programs and Classes page under Foster/Hospice Homes. Our Jessica Staltzer Tripp Memorial Fund helps support our aging equine friends as their nutritional and medical needs increase. To read more about this aspect of our program and how you can help, download a PDF here.Certified Instructors
Instructors and aides for this program have both extensive equine and impaired rider training and experience. They have completed and regularly update their certifications to meet the international guidelines of the North American Handicapped Riding Association (NARHA),and Michigan 4-H Proud Equestrians Program, under whose regulations the program operates.
They strive to improve each session through continued schooling of therapy horses, and implementation of new teaching techniques and ideas.
back to topProgram Location
THWM conducts their program near Coopersville, Michigan. Mounting blocks and ramps at the facility provide greater ease and safety to participants in mounting horses or carts. Click here for location and driving instructions.Having outgrown nearby rental barns, THWM has launched a campaign called "Building Dreams", to construct a program-owned facility dedicated to the needs of disabled equestrians.
back to topSafety
Many safety precautions are taken by the instructor, and volunteers to protect riders. Each student is fitted with a SEI-approved helmet, which must be worn at all times while riding and working with program horses. English saddles with safety stirrups and a handhold are standard equipment, while other specialized or adaptive equipment is utilized as required. Volunteers are trained to respond quickly and protectively should uncertain situation arise. These are some of the many precautions strictly enforced throughout the program for the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
