Turning Pointe Therapeutic Riding Recognized for Excellence in Providing Equine-Assisted Therapies to People with Disabilities
2007 NOV 19 -- Turning Pointe Therapeutic Riding has again been recognized as a Premier Accredited Center Program by North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), the national standard bearer for therapeutic equine professionals. NARHA's voluntary peer-review process gives accreditation for a period of five years to centers that meet national administrative, facility, program and special interest national standards. Turning Pointe, which provides horse-assisted rehabilitative therapies to people with physical and neurological impairments, was first certified by NAHRA in 1992 and is the only NAHRA Premier-Accredited Center Program in Rhode Island. "We are extremely pleased that NAHRA has again recognized Turning Pointe for excellence in providing quality, professional equine-assisted activities," said program manager Pat Dutson. "More than 160 people with disabilities have come to our center from all over Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut and made remarkable progress. We look forward to seeing more of these kinds of rehabilitative achievements that come from working with the natural movement of the horse." Founded in 1995, Turning Pointe is a not-for-profit, charity organization that provides horse-assisted rehabilitative therapy to people with disabilities including Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and learning, visual and hearing impairments. The Center's services use the physical motion of the horse and the bond between horses and humans as a rehabilitation tool for physical and mental disabilities. The movement of the horse promotes mobility in people with disabilities while interaction with horses strengthens confidence. Turning Pointe's therapeutic programs enroll people from two years of age to senior citizens. Turning Pointe's equestrian programs integrate riders who able-bodied and those with disabilities. Both groups participate in the center's horse shows and other equine-related activities. Keywords: Central Nervous System Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Genetics, Multiple Sclerosis, Neuroimmunology, Neurology, Therapy, Treatment, Turning Pointe Therapeutic Riding. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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