Preparing to Ride

Therapeutic Riding for Soldiers

History of Therapeutic Riding and the Military

At the turn of the century, England recognized riding for the disabled as a beneficial form of therapy and offered riding therapy for wounded soldiers at the Oxford Hospital during World War I. By the 1950's, British physiotherapists were exploring the possibilities of riding as therapy for all types of handicaps. The British Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) was founded in 1969 with the enthusiastic support of the Royal Family.

In 2006, NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, also founded in 1969) initiated a relationship with the Veterans Administration to create a program focused on rehabilitating soldiers. The photos shown here were taken at Walter Reed Hospital where there is a very active equine therapeutic riding program for soldiers, conducted by soldiers. Fort Hood has also participated in pilot riding programs.

These pilot programs affirmed that soldiers working with soldiers under these circumstances were most effective.

Soldiers, Up!

Inspired by these programs, SEVEN GABLES FARM officially opened its ‘gaits’ to soldiers and their families on September 22, 2007. Our mission was twofold: 1) Support the soldier during rehabilitation, and 2) address the impact the soldier’s absence has on their families.

Formal outreach to our military community began September 18th, 2007, with a PowerPoint Presentation to the Dickson VFW located on Highway 46. Our first efforts at reaching out to our military community for support were well received and several of the Vets signed up to accompany our soldier, Army Sgt. Scott Barkalow, on his initial ride at Seven Gables. Barkalow, a Burns, Tennessee resident, returned from his Special Ops tour in Afghanistan in 2003 as an amputee. On September 22, 2007, he became the first soldier in the State of Tennessee to participate in a therapeutic riding experience at a NARHA Center. Sharing the arena and trails with Scott was his son A.J.

Scott has agreed to be our liaison to the military community. To hear him talk, riding at Seven Gables was one of the best moments of recent times he has shared with A.J.

Channel Four News recorded and aired our story all weekend. Since that time, Seven Gables has recruited Honorary Military Board Members to act in an advisory capacity—both civilian and military. So far, Dr. Lance McClure, CPA Wilson Overton and Attorney Ben Regen have agreed to join Scott as board members.

Soldiers, Up!

SOLDIERS, UP! is an innovative riding therapy program for wounded men and women soldiers who have experienced loss of limb, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the latent affects of IED’s.

SOLDIERS, UP! focuses on building self esteem and confidence as riders work on building strength and flexibility. Therapeutic riding sessions in our covered arena, through Central Park, around The Orchard and onto the trails of the South Woods provide natural relaxation therapy as the horse’s warmth and muscles gently massage healing bodies.

SOLDIERS, UP! is a way for soldiers to integrate back into civilian life. By sharing their new-found relationship with horses.

Sharing Soldiers

soldier/partner...soldier/son...soldier/daughter

SHARING SOLDIERS supports soldiers in re-establishing their relationship with their families. Whether a soldier is severely wounded or not, getting reconnected to life back in the states after a long absence can be very stressful for everyone. Seven Gables is playing a part in reuniting post-combat families using the peaceful, tranquil setting of the farm.

Families of soldiers share many aspects of life within their units. The most precious aspect is time spent together… and every moment spent with their soldier is precious. The common stress issues many families deal with are fear-based feelings of abandonment, premature separation anxiety, and the violence that is present in their everyday lives.

Seven Gables offers soldiers and their family members the opportunity to bond on horse-back, to de-stress and spend precious time together. The natural healing qualities of horses and the farm’s rural setting surrounded by forests and wildlife are the perfect background for our therapeutic riding lessons and trail rides on our peaceful horses, led by Certified NARHA Instructors.

How much does it cost?

The soldier is charged a one-time application/evaluation fee of $55. Each subsequent riding activity is $45 and may last up to 60 minutes. (The length of the session will depend upon the rider’s individual needs.) The first additional family rider is $35; each additional family rider is $25.

Is there special equipment required?

Individuals with motor disabilities often have stability, maneuverability and control issues. Adaptive equipment in therapeutic riding is individualized based on the specific capabilities of the rider. A wheelchair accessible ramp assists mounting by elevating the rider to the level of the horse.

How do I enroll?

Click on “Preparing to Ride” to print off the necessary forms or email us using the “Soldier Interested in Riding” contact form. You can also reach us at 615-218-4100. Your physician must sign the release form and there are several other documents, including the rider’s goals. These documents are located under “Preparing to Ride.”

Watch this video from Walter Reed Medical Center on their Hippotherapy program.