Discover how GAIT Therapeutic can help at Aug. 28 open house
Milford. Watch demonstrations, enjoy treats, and meet the horses, staff, volunteers, and families who attend the center.
Milford /
| 11 Aug 2021 | 12:05
(GAIT Therapeutic Facebook photo by Dawn J. Benko)
Find out what the GAIT Therapeutic Riding Center has to offer people with cognitive, emotional, physical, or behavioral challenges at their next open house, to be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28.
GAIT is located at 314 Foster Hill Road, Milford. Tour the facility, watch demonstrations, meet the horses, ,and learn all about their special skills and learn their safety measures.
Meet the staff, volunteers, and even some families that attend. Find out how you can benefit from GAIT’s services. Learn of potential scholarships. Family fun and treats are part of the day as well.
GAIT was founded by its executive director, Martha Dubensky, in 1995. Their mission is to improve the quality of life of children and adults with special needs through equine activities and therapies so that they become more independent.
GAIT’s services benefit children age two and older, and adults of any age with cognitive, emotional, physical, or behavioral challenges. They welcome youth identified by their schools with “at risk” behavior, and adolescents with special needs transitioning from school to the work environment.
Those dealing with trauma or PTSD, including veterans, first responders, and their families, as well as those struggling with mental health, substance abuse, or addiction, are also welcome.
GAIT offers camaraderie along with exercise and sequential and repetitive equine outdoor activities.
All sessions are conducted by PATH International Certified Instructors, a licensed speech pathologist and licensed/credentialed mental health professionals. GAIT is non-profit organization designated as a Premier Accredited Center and is a member of the Council for Education and certification in Therapeutic Horsemanship.
GAIT offers free training to all of its volunteers. Learn horse handling protocols, assist instructors, or help out in the barn and grounds maintenance. Opportunities are also available to become a member of the Advisory Council creating special events.
For more information visit GAITTRC.org
GAIT provides three program recognized by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH):
Adaptive riding (therapeutic): Riding sessions taught by certified instructors who select a specific horse to assist the rider.
Learning: PATH instructors integrate horse-human interaction through planned learning experiences, creating connections that increase confidence, emotional awareness, impulse control, problem solving skills, empathy ,and assertiveness.
Therapy: Provides counseling with a horse and a licensed mental health professional or speech pathologist who uses riding to develop rhythm, muscle tone, and motivation.