Implementation period: September 2011 – April 2012
Source of funding: Trust for Civil Society in Central and Eastern Europe and Open Society – Sofia
Role of the organization: in a consortium partnership with “Open Society Club – Ruse” and Equestrian Club BTB – Ruse (lead)
Precis
Hippotherapy involves the use of horse riding as a therapeutic / rehabilitative treatment that improves coordination, balance, and strength. It also provides the opportunity for children, parents and professional carers to mix in an unconventional setting where children can enjoy a rich variety of new (sensory) experiences.
Objective:
The formation of new local partnerships and the joint exploration of the potential of opening a new avenue for working with children at risk
Method
- Assessment of capacity / needs of children that EQ works with – Pink House & complex for social services
- Phased introduction of children to the new environment and gentle formation of relationship between children and animals
- Programme of hippotherapy sessions
- Open Day at the equestrian centre – parents and members of the childcare community
Results
- 6 children with severe and complex disabilities from the Pink House + 5 children with disabilities from EQ’s early intervention programme received 10 sessions of hippotherapy: physical therapy and social opportunity
- 10 children from centre for street children received 24 sessions of hippotherapy: social rehabilitation
Conclusion
As a pilot exercise, this revealed the significant benefits associated with the formation of working partnerships between formal providers of social services and philanthropic organisations