ÿþ<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <html><HEAD> <meta name="verify-v1" content="XNBLF4wmB71ufRf9vPrH3KmOWahDvaFuzjnHx7+zcAw=" /> <TITLE>The Healing Hoof Therapeutic Riding Center</TITLE> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2800.1601" name=GENERATOR> <META NAME="description" CONTENT="Therapeutic riding for people with disabilities."> <META NAME="keywords" CONTENT="healing hoof, healing, therapy, therapeutic, horse, horseback riding, disabled, disabilities, riding center"></HEAD> <TOP MENU> <body background="pic41a.jpg"style="background-attachment:fixed"> <body> <TABLE style="WIDTH:"800" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <td width="100"><strong><CENTER><A HREF="#Tack">Donate Tack & Horses</CENTER></strong></td> <td width="100"><strong><CENTER><A HREF="#Contact">Contact<br> Information</CENTER></strong></td> <td width="100"><strong><center><A HREF="application.doc">Volunteer<br> Application</center></strong></td> <td width="100"><strong><center><A HREF="#Memorials">Memorials</center></strong></td> <td width="100"><strong><center><A HREF="Pictures.html">Photo<br> Album</center></strong></td> <td width="100"><strong><center><A HREF="Directions.htm">Directions</center></strong></td> <td width="100"><strong><center><A HREF="#Supporters">Supporters</center></strong></td> <CENTER></CENTER> </TR></TBODY></TABLE> <NEW HEADER> <br> <P align=center><B><FONT size=5 color="#ff0000"><i>We Are Now Accepting New Students!!!!</I></FONT></b></P> <b> <P align=center><FONT size=6>The Healing Hoof</FONT></FONT></P> <P align=center><FONT size=5>Therapeutic Riding Center</FONT></p> <P align=center><FONT size=4>(A Christian Based Organization)</FONT></P> <P align=center><em><b>Increasing the Quality of Life of the Handicapped Through Horse Back Riding</em></b></p> <TABLE style="WIDTH:"800" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="400"><center><IMG style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 200px" src="hoof 45.JPG" border=2></center></TD> <td width="400"><center><IMG style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 200px" src="hoof 58.JPG" border=2></center></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <center><IMG src="bar3.gif" border=0></center> <A NAME="Program"> <OUR PROGRAM> <TABLE WIDTH="80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <td> <P align=center><b><FONT size=5>Our Program </FONT></b></P> <b> <P align=left>The Healing Hoof is a Therapeutic Riding Center. We teach children and adults with <U>All Types </U>of physical, mental and emotional disabilities to ride horses. Our instuctor is certified through Texas A&M. Every aspect of a student class is therapeutic, well thought out and individualized. We strive through on-going study and commitment to build confidence and skill in all of our students.</P> <P>Therapeutic Horse Back Riding is the core of our program. It is a proven, very effective method of therapy for children and adults with special needs. The rhythmic movement of the horse naturally moves the body in a manner similar to the human gait, improving posture, balance and muscle control. Therapeutic riding also increases a student's self-esteem and self-confidence which they take back into his/her world. Therapeutic Riding patients tend to be the best motivated physical therapy patients because the work is fun! Improved physical strength, balance, mobility and coordination are accomplished through the physical act of riding a horse. Increased attention, concentration, learning, and verbal skills are inherent in learning the skills necessary to ride successfully. Therapeutic riding is fun and effective!</P> Disabilities that can be treated through traditional physical, occupational, or speech therapy can be treated through hippotherapy. Examples of such disabilities include but are not limited to: </P></b> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table width="800" align=center> <tbody> <tr> <td width="190"><b>* Cerebral Palsy</B></td> <td width="190"><b>* Multiple Sclerosis</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* Down Syndrome</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* Dyspraxia</b></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="190"><b>* Stroke</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* Paralysis/Paraplegia</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* Head Trauma</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* Spina Bifida</b></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="190"><b>* Spinal Cord Injury</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* Amputation</td> <td width="190"><b>* Muscular Dystrophy</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* Scoliosis</b></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="190"><b>* Arthritis</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* ADD</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* ADHD</b></td> <td width="190"><b>* DDL</b></td> <tr> <td width="190"><b>and more...</b></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <TABLE WIDTH="80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <td> <b><P>We promote trust, impulse control, self-confidence and relationship building through natural consequences of the horse. The relationship that occurs between a rider and their horse can help overcome a rider's debilitating fears. As a rider learns that they have control of a horse, they can begin to learn that they can take control of themselves. </P> <P>It is our heartfelt intent to foster independence in our riders as well as to teach them to reach for higher goals!</P> <P><STRONG>The Healing Hoof</STRONG> also provides competitive sports riding classes. Students will have the opportunity to participate in "Local Horse Shows" and compete in the exciting "Equestrian Special Olympics."</P></b> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br> <TABLE width="60%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD><IMG style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 200px" height=290 src="healinghoof9.JPG" border=2></TD> <TD><FONT class=text face=Arial color=#336600><B>Physical Benefits:</B></FONT> <p></p> <LI>Improved coordination and normalized muscle tone <LI>Relaxation of spastic muscles/facilitation of flaccid muscles <LI>Improved posture, sitting and standing balance <LI>Improved gross and fine motor skills <LI>Increased functional range of motion and muscular strength <LI>Improved perceptual motor/sensory motor integration <LI>Improved cardiovascular function and stamina </LI></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <br> <br> <TABLE width="60%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD><IMG style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 200px" height=290 src="healinghoof11.JPG" width=408 border=2></TD> <TD><FONT class=text face=Arial color=#336600><B>Cognitive Benefits:</B></FONT> <P></p> <LI>Increased vocabulary - application and recall <LI>Improved attention and concentration <LI>Improved sequencing and planning skills <LI>Improved judgment,critical thinking and flexibility in thinking <LI>Improved flexibility in thinking <LI>Increased verbal integration and participation <LI>Increased visual and auditory discrimination </LI></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <br> <br> <TABLE width="60%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD><IMG style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 200px" height=290 src="healinghoof10.JPG" width=408 border=2></TD> <TD><FONT class=text face=Arial color=#336600><B>Social Benefits:</B></FONT> <P></p> <LI>Increased self-confidence, self-esteem and self-control <LI>Mastery of a difficult task <LI>Increased understanding of consequences/cause and effect <LI>Increased desire of responsibility <LI>Improved positive social interactions and teamwork <LI>Increased ability to solicit help and act independently <LI>Increased desire to take risks <LI>Increased empathy and sense of empowerment <LI>Interaction with positive role models <LI>Experience of success in a supportive environment </LI></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <br> <br> <center><IMG src="horseshoes.gif" border=0></center> <br> <TABLE style="WIDTH:"80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <p><hr></p> <TD width="400"><center><IMG style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 200px" src="475a.JPG" border=2></center></TD> <td width="400"><center><IMG style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 200px" src="healinghoof8.JPG" border=2></center></td></tr></tbody></table> <HR> </td></tr></tbody></table> <A NAME="Credit"> <TABLE WIDTH="80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <p></p> <td> <CREDIBILITY> <b><P align=center><FONT size=5>Our Credibilty</FONT></P> <P align=left>Kimica (Kim) Gauthier is Founder, Head Instructor and Program Director of The Healing Hoof Therapeutic Riding Center.</P> <P align=left>Kim is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.</P> <P align=left>Kim Gauthier graduated from the Equest Therapeutic Riding Instructors Training Course created by Texas A&M. This course includes 180 hours of training in:<br><br><em> <li> Human Anatomy and Kinesiology <li> Human Behavior <li> Physical, Cognitive and Emotional Disabilities <li> Equipment Selection and Adaptation <li> Volunteer Management <li> Selection and Maintenance of the Therapy Horse <li> Hippotherapy <li> Teaching Methodology</li></em></P> <P>Kim has completed several workshops on Teaching Methodolgy for the Handicapped and Understanding Disabilities & Adaptive Riding Techniques.</P> <P></P> <P>At <STRONG>The Healing Hoof</STRONG>, continuing education is a must for all staff and volunteers.</FONT></b></P> </td></tr></tbody></table> <br> <TABLE style=WIDTH:"80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <HR> <A NAME="Memorials"> <TABLE WIDTH="80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <td> <br> <b><P align=center><FONT size=5>Memorials</FONT></P> <br> <P> Please join us in remembering beloved friends and supporters that have recently passed away and join us in offering our deepest sympathies to their familes and friends.</P> <br> <p><u> Jerrel Swan</U> : Mr. Swan was the parent of one of our students and a volunteer.</P> <br> <p><u>Connie Atmar</U>: Ms. Atmar sent students to us from Evadale school and believed in what our classes had to offer.</P> <br> <i>A note of thanks:</i></P> <P> We at The Healing Hoof would like to thank everyone for their generous donations to our center.</p> <br> <HR> <br> </td></tr></tbody></table> <TABLE style="WIDTH:"80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <TD width="400"><center><IMG style="WIDTH: 175px; HEIGHT: 200px" src="healinghoof7.JPG" border=2></center></TD> <td width="400"><center><IMG style="WIDTH: 250px; HEIGHT: 200px" src="hoof 24.jpg" border=2></center></td></tr></tbody></table> <BR> <TABLE style=WIDTH:"80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <td> <center><IMG src="anspur.gif" border=0><IMG src="anspur.gif" border=0><IMG src="anspur.gif" border=0><IMG src="anspur.gif" border=0><IMG src="anspur.gif" border=0><IMG src="anspur.gif" border=0><IMG src="anspur.gif" border=0><IMG src="anspur.gif" border=0> </center></td></tr></tbody></table> <A NAME="Tack"> <TABLE WIDTH="80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <td> <BR> <b><P align=center><FONT size=5>Donate Tack, Saddles and Horses</FONT></P> <P></P> <P align=left><FONT size=3>We desperately need bridles, saddles and other tack, regardless of condition, to offer these services to our students. Remember, "One man's junk is another man's treasure." Please help.</FONT></P> We also are in need of donated therapy horses. Because of the nature of the services the horses will be performing there are criteria for horse donations to ensure the safety of students:<br> <br> <li>Be between 5 and 16 yrs old <li>Be well mannered <li>No bucking or pitching <li>No biting <li>No bad habits <li>Trailer easily <li>Gets along with other horses <br> <br> <P>We are also looking for a pony or very small horse to use for children under 5 yrs old. This horse must meet the same criteria previously listed.</P></b> <HR> </td></tr></tbody></table> <br> <P align=center><IMG style="WIDTH: 725px; HEIGHT: 200px" height=400 border=2 src="horses1.JPG"></p> <P></P> <A NAME="Volunteer"> <TABLE WIDTH="80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <td> <HR> <br> <b><P align=center><FONT size=5>Volunteers</FONT></P> <P><FONT size=3>Be a hero to a handicapped child or adult. Teaching a disabled person to ride will melt your heart. They are so thankful and full of love. Horesback riding gives them something very special that "<U>They Can Do!</U>" There are different volunteering positions: horse handlers, side walkers, grooming and caring for the horses to simply cleaning stalls. All positions are very important and desperately needed.</P> <P>Classes are held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Help for 2 hours or stay all day. We offer a safe place to learn about horses. </P> <P>Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age.</FONT></P> <p>If you are interested in volunteering, please call Kim at 409-749-0801. <br> <br> <center><font size=4><b><A HREF="application.doc">Volunteer Application Form</A></b></font></p> <br> <p> <font size=4><u>Your help is needed and very much appreciated. Thank you!</u></font></b></center></p> </td></tr></tbody></table> <P></P> <A NAME="Supporters"> <TABLE WIDTH="80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <td> <HR> <br> <b><P align=center><FONT size=5>Supporters</FONT></P> <P align=center><FONT size=3>We at The Healing Hoof would like to give special thanks to our supporters:.</P> <br> <P align=center><FONT size=4>Feeling Groovy in Vidor, Texas</FONT> </P> <br> <P align=center><FONT size=4><a href="http://www.orthotics-prosthetics.com">Le Tourneau Prosthetics 2452 Calder St., Beaumont, Texas 77702-1920</a> 409-832-5005</FONT></P> <br> <P align=center><FONT size=4>Buna Animal Clinic in Buna, Texas 409-994-5986</FONT></P> <br> <P align=center><FONT size=4><a href="http://allaroundtrainingcenter.homestead.com">All Around Training Center in Kirbyville, Texas</a> 409-423-4848</FONT></P> <br> <P align=center><FONT size=4><a href="http://www.merlenormanstudio.com/mn-5981/">Merle Norman Srudio in Vidor, Texas</a> 409-769-5719</FONT></P> <br> <P align=center><FONT size=4>Walter Authement Jr., for donation of cart and harness.</FONT></P> <br> <br> <HR> </td></tr></tbody></table> <A NAME="Contact"> <br> <P align=center><b><FONT size=5>Contact Information</FONT></P> <P align=center><U>We are located in Evadale, Texas off of Highway 96 ten minutes north of Silsbee, Texas</U></P> <P align=center>For more information on volunteering, donations or classes, please feel free to contact :</P> <P align=center>The Healing Hoof TRC <br>Kim Gauthier <BR>409-749-0801 <BR><A href="mailto:thehealinghoof@yahoo.com">thehealinghoof@yahoo.com</A> </P> <center><i>Note: If your email client doesn't support the above link, please copy and paste the following email address into your personal email client:</center></i> <br><font size=4><center> thehealinghoof@yahoo.com</center></font> <br> <TABLE WIDTH="80%" align=center border=0> <TBODY> <TR> <td> <HR> <br> </td></tr></tbody></table> <br> <br> <center><img border="0" src="http://www.yourhitstats.com/central_nervous_system-3720394.png" alt="central nervous system"><br /><a href="http://www.pain-killers.us" >central nervous system</a></center> </BLOCKQUOTE></DIV> <DIV></DIV> <P> <CENTER></CENTER></TD> </body></html>