Hozho Therapeutic Equestrian Services
Hozho Therapeutic Equestrian Services was founded in 2011 by Marie and Bruce
Branum, Owners of Mystery Dog Ranch, and Sarah Haase, a Therapeutic Riding
Instructor. They envisioned a place where the special needs children and adults that
they served would have a permanent place to explore, have fun, bond and grow with
horses.
Thus, Hozho was born.
As the legs of these beautiful animals become the legs of our riders, they are permitted
a sense of freedom and mobility seldom experienced elsewhere in their lives. A very
special bond is established between horse and rider which encourages unconditional
love, trust and self-worth.
When riding a horse, the human body moves as if walking. The slow, rhythmic motion
of a horse stimulates the body and works the muscles of the rider in a manner similar
to the human stride. This repetitive motion cannot be duplicated in any clinical setting.
Our therapeutic riding instructors combine riding skills in lesson plans designed to
enhance the physical, cognitive and emotional well-being of our riders.
Riders participate in weekly group lessons lead by a therapeutic riding instructor.
Volunteers serve as "leaders" and "sidewalkers" to provide physical and emotional
support. The benefits of riding include the following:
• Strengthening and toning muscles
• Improving balance and flexibility
• Enhancing head control and eye/hand coordination
• Strengthening communication skills (speaking and listening)
• Improving concentration, patience and self-esteem
Just as important as the benefits listed above is the feeling of exhilaration many riders
feel while on the horse for their weekly sessions. Having the chance to be on a horse
takes the rider to a new and unexplored world, a world that's full of possibilities and
hope!
Branum, Owners of Mystery Dog Ranch, and Sarah Haase, a Therapeutic Riding
Instructor. They envisioned a place where the special needs children and adults that
they served would have a permanent place to explore, have fun, bond and grow with
horses.
Thus, Hozho was born.
As the legs of these beautiful animals become the legs of our riders, they are permitted
a sense of freedom and mobility seldom experienced elsewhere in their lives. A very
special bond is established between horse and rider which encourages unconditional
love, trust and self-worth.
When riding a horse, the human body moves as if walking. The slow, rhythmic motion
of a horse stimulates the body and works the muscles of the rider in a manner similar
to the human stride. This repetitive motion cannot be duplicated in any clinical setting.
Our therapeutic riding instructors combine riding skills in lesson plans designed to
enhance the physical, cognitive and emotional well-being of our riders.
Riders participate in weekly group lessons lead by a therapeutic riding instructor.
Volunteers serve as "leaders" and "sidewalkers" to provide physical and emotional
support. The benefits of riding include the following:
• Strengthening and toning muscles
• Improving balance and flexibility
• Enhancing head control and eye/hand coordination
• Strengthening communication skills (speaking and listening)
• Improving concentration, patience and self-esteem
Just as important as the benefits listed above is the feeling of exhilaration many riders
feel while on the horse for their weekly sessions. Having the chance to be on a horse
takes the rider to a new and unexplored world, a world that's full of possibilities and
hope!
Meet our Team
Hozho Therapeutic Equestrian Services
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