EquiTeam Support Services

It is the goal of EquiTeam to provide an environment in which Autism families can find respite from man-made and industrial stimuli – which are known triggers for chronic episodes, seizures and meltdowns of an Autistic child. As soon as the Autistic child (or young adult) has relaxed into this environment the horse is introduced. Once the horse is involved, the sensory work begins in which the child lies body to body with the horse in various positions that calm the nervous system. Following the sensory work the riding part of the treatment begins. In Horse Boy Method the certified back rider is seated in the saddle, with the child in front and uses a combination of the horse’s rhythms and rapid response prompting to establish or promote communication. It is from here that teaching of perspective taking skills and academics (from very basic to really advanced academics, such as fractions, science, geography and general math) can be achieved. The six areas that are the main focus of EquiTeam in utilizing the Horse Boy Method are: ENVIRONMENT, SENSORY, BACK-RIDING, ACADEMICS, PERSPECTIVE AND SELF ADVOCACY. The bottom line is that Horse Boy Method really works. When this is combined with the already proven Equine Assisted Learning model that EquiTeam Support Services currently utilizes, it is clear that the joint program offers limitless success.