The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) is a non-profit service organization dedicated to promoting horseback riding for the handicapped. Oak Hill Farm is an NARHA facility with therapeutic riding taught by NARHA-certified therapeutic riding instructors (CTRI). The program provides riding instruction for individuals with and without disabilities. We serve Allen and Huntington County community citizens, Huntington County school system children by referral, Turnstone clients, 4-H group members, and others.

We work with children (and adults) who face physical, emotional, and/or social challenges, and we help them to discover their own strengths and talents. Oak Hill Farm strives to make each ride a fun and yet therapeutic experience in a peaceful, relaxing setting. We celebrate the achievements of our riders every day!

Therapeutic riding is suitable for any number of people with disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, ADD, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, paralysis, amputation, down syndrome, spina bifida, neuromuscular disorders, post-traumatic brain injury, and more.

Therapeutic horseback riding is a special connection – in which horses, disabled children (and adults), compassionate volunteers, and professional instructors and physical therapists join together to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people with disabilities. It affects the lives of everyone involved.

In addition to being around the horses, our students are also exposed to other aspects of farm life, including various ducks on the pond and lots of cats and kittens--as well as sheltie puppies, which are bred and sold at the farm.

Brenda Malcolm, NARHA-Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, is an accomplished horse rider and has worked with horses and children for 40+ years. She gave children riding instruction in 4-H for over 15 years before becoming involved with riding for the handicapped in 2005. It is important to Brenda to provide quality services with credibility to the community that she serves.

Beth Keen has been riding for over 40 years, riding both English and Western with a little dressage and jumping training. Beth is a certified NARHA Riding Instructor (CHRI). With a Masters Degree in School Counseling, she has been working as a K-8 school counselor for the past nine years.

Kay Hagerman brings a strong commitment to children (B.S. in Elementary Education) and extensive experience with horses (owning and showing) to Oak Hill Farm. She is certified in CPR and First Aid.

Oak Hill Farm is equipped with extensive credentialing in both the equestrian and physical therapeutic fields. The staffing in the program combines years of equine experience with therapeutic service in providing a winning formula for success.

Oak Hill Farm strives to expand the lives of special needs riders of all ages. We work with our clients to achieve independent riding as their physical (dis)abilities will allow. Our goal is to develop independence and strength.

Therapeutic riding uses the horse and equine-oriented activities to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals, stressing the physical, emotional, social and behavioral growth of the rider. When riding a horse, the rider feels the horse’s soothing rhythm, strength, warmth, and movement pattern. This relationship between a horse’s movement at a walk and the movement of a normal human allows the rider to learn or relearn movements that may have been absent or impaired. As the horse walks, this movement is shifted to the rider, providing the stimulation necessary for stronger muscles, better balance and coordination, and improved gait. The student also gains self-confidence and experiences a freedom never felt before.

There is no typical riding session because each session is designed to fit the specific needs of the rider. A lesson plan and goals are developed for each child’s individual needs in collaboration with Brenda, the child, the therapist, and the parents. Lesson time includes grooming, saddling, and riding. Also incorporated into the lessons, as appropriate for each individual, is educational information on horse anatomy, saddle parts, care of horses, feeding, cleaning and storing tack. Activities may include things for motor control, games to improve attention, obstacle courses to develop patterning and memory skills, and much more.

Safety always comes first at Oak Hill Farm. Specifically-designed ASTM/SEI approved riding helmets and break-away stirrups as well as tack for the comfort of the horse all ensure that the student has the best possible experience for horseback riding. Additionally, a special mounting ramp with a hydraulic lift is utilized for safe mounting and dismounting.

Equine temperament must include a love for people and a willingness to work around obstacles, such as toys, step-over hurdles, and other distractions used for therapy. Our horses are thoroughly trained to assure successful sessions. They possess strong confirmation lines for stability, footing, and strength to carry their rider. They are personally trained by their riding instructor and are present on-site 365 days a year.