October 2010 - May 2011

The Thorncroft Instructors Course is the foundation for an innovative course in therapeutic horseback riding. Saunders Dixon will be joined by Thorncroft instructor Meghan Lyons in October to kick off another exciting year. Choose between the Certificate of Completion or the Certificate to Teach.

We are proud to present a comprehensive introductory study course for persons wishing to become Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructors, and or those who wish to gain and expand their knowledge of the field. Thorncroft Founder and Director Saunders Dixon and Thorncroft Instructor/Centered Riding ® Instructor Meghan Lyons are the foundation for an innovative course in therapeutic horseback riding.

Over thirty years ago, Jennifer Bream came to the United States from England, searching for a program that was futuristic...  a riding program where she could share her years of knowledge and experience in Therapeutic Horseback Riding. At Thorncroft she found not only the facility, but the energy and open minds to put her plans into action. With the help of the University of Pennsylvania, a hand full of dedicated instructors and volunteers - one of the largest and oldest therapeutic riding programs was launched.

We encourage not only those who wish to teach therapeutic horseback riding to participate, but anyone who has a desire to learn more about the field. This is a limited opportunity for practicing riding instructors to take an exciting and innovative therapy back to their existing environments to share; for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and those interested in broadening their knowledge of the field to learn from those with years of hands on experience.

Choose between the Certificate of Completion or the Certificate to Teach.

Instructors Course Registration Form

Currently preparing for the 2010-2011 Season.

Thorncroft, The Course and The Opportunity.

The course is designed to give riding instructors an overview of the skills and knowledge needed to safely and productively teach riders with disabilities. For those not teaching, the course will give an extensive overview of therapeutic horseback riding.

Participants will work in the class room, hands on in the barn and arena. Apprenticeship in stable management and the opportunity to experience first hand over 25 disabilities (physical, emotional and mental) will be a part of the agenda.

You will participate in field trips to local therapeutic programs. Your year will be spent in the classroom, the riding arena and stable area... this is a hands on experience.

Guest speakers will present lectures on the Farm.

Discover 39 years of experience exploring the bond between horses and people of all abilities.

Some Topics To Be Explored

• the horse as a healer
• what is a therapeutic environment
• normal growth, development of the child
• physical, developmental and emotional disabilities
• adaptive equipment for riders
• the movement of the horse and how it affects the rider
• selection and training of horses
• the treatment team of instructor, therapist and volunteer
• choosing goals and lesson planning
• techniques and skill development
• alternative equine-facilitated therapies: driving, team sports
• competition opportunities for riders with disabilities
• insurance and liability

A Partial List of Past Year’s Line Up

• Marlis Amato:  Equus as a Second Language
• Taryn Bath - Occupational Therapist: Physical Recovery with the Horse
• Peggy Brown - C.R. IV: Centered Riding Level I Certification Program
• Susie Buchanan, Competitor, Clinician: Long lining -the student, instructor & horse
• Judith D’Angelo, D.Ed. & Judy Horrocks, D.Ed.: Issues & Strategies of Autism today
• Brenda Finucane, MS, CGC: How genetics apply to disabilities
• Carol Gillis,Ph.D.: Mental Health and Horsemanship
• KC Henry: Organizing & Fundraising for startup or existing programs
• Hope Hand - Competitor, Clinician: Competing as a ParaEquestrian
• Doreen Garland , BHSAI: Mounted Sessions - Classical Horsemanship
• Leslie Law, Olympic Rider: Schooling the horse and rider
• NARHA, North American Riding for the Handicapped Assoc.: Workshop & Certification Program
• Terrill K. Long M.P.T.: Physical Therapy and the horse
• Roddy Strang - Natural Horsemanship: Starting the young or problem horse,
• Pat Taynton - Assessment Specialist: Conformation and movement of the horse