Roughout Ranch Foundation Inc.

Call Today (209) 256-9640

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    • Authenticity Workshops
    • Equine-assisted Therapy
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    • Home
    • About Us
    • Horse Encounters
      • Authenticity Workshops
      • Equine-assisted Therapy
      • Equine-assisted Learning
      • Equine-assisted Activity
      • Horses Helping Veterans
      • Horses Helping Seniors
    • Services
      • Rough Rider Roundup
      • Wheel-Horse Life Skills
      • Private Events
      • High School Leadership
    • Volunteer
      • Volunteering at the Ranch
      • Court Ordered Hours
    • Donate
    • Contact Us

Call Today (209) 256-9640

Roughout Ranch Foundation Inc.

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Donate
  • Contact Us
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Equine-Assisted Activities

When most people think of horses, they think of riding them. However, some of the biggest benefits from equine therapy is with both your feet on the ground.


Roughout Ranch's quiet environment is perfect for interacting with our small herd of horses. Supervised to maintain the highest degree of safety, participants learn how to care for the horses as they bond with them. Horses are large animals and require a lot of care, including grooming, haltering, leading and even just playing with them to keep them entertained. 


Participants will learn how to properly groom a horse and experience the bond this creates. Having something else to care for such as a horse is very therapeutic, both as the participant reaches a feeling of accomplishment and as the bond grows between horse and groomer.


While horses are massive animals, we lead them with a mere halter and rope and a few key things the horses are trained to respond to. Participants will learn how to handle a horse with ease, guide them in the correct direction, and be safe on the ground beside a horse.


Obstacle courses are a fun challenge for some participants. We’ll set up a short obstacle course that participants then must lead their horse through, just as you may be encountering obstacles and need someone to help you. Facilitators can then use these experiences to help participants work through their own obstacles in their everyday lives.


Horses are social animals, even with humans. Participants might find themselves starting out grooming, but end up finding the best therapy just by laughing at a playful horse or scratching his forehead. Equine-assisted activities fits a broad scope of activities we do here, but all of it is, safe interaction with the horses in the quiet of the peaceful ranch.

EAA for Special Needs

Equine-Assisted Activities (EAA) are widely recognized as one of the most beneficial forms of recreational therapy that people with special needs can receive.


Physical disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy to accidental injury, cognitive difficulties and disabilities, mental illness, autism, developmental delay and emotional disorders have all responded positively to equine facilitated activity. Riding offers an effective alternative to develop muscle tone and improve posture, with the added advantage of the dynamics of the horse's movement. The bond that develops between human and horse also opens many new opportunities, such as independence and responsibility.

  • Joint mobility, balance and coordination improvements
  • Muscle tone changes
  • Self-confidence and self-image improvement
  • Learning, concentration and awareness improvement
  • Incentive and opportunity to take responsibility and control
  • Learning outcomes to daily living skills 
  • Motivation to set and achieve goals


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