NCEFT National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy

 

 

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PHYSICAL AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY vs. ADAPTIVE RIDING
Which is the appropriate choice?

PT & OT

Physical or Occupational Therapy utilizes the movement of a horse as a therapy tool.

Sessions are conducted by a licensed physical or occupational therapist. Two side-walkers are present to keep the client safely on the horse.

A prescription from a physician is required.

The goal of Therapy is to improve sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes such as improved core strength, balance, and sensory integration.

The horse’s movement is essential to assist in meeting therapy goals. Horses are screened to ensure they have the appropriate movement and temperament for this kind of work.

During Therapy sessions, the therapist continually assesses and modifies therapy based on the client’s responses to the horse’s movement.

Insurance may cover sessions. Clients pay NCEFT directly, and NCEFT provides a superbill that the client can submit to their insurance provider for reimbursement.

ADAPTIVE RIDING

Recreational horseback riding & horsemanship lessons adapted for an individuals ability.

Adaptive riding is taught by a PATH-certified riding instructor. One or two side-walkers are present to keep the client safely on the horse.

A prescription is not required.

Adaptive Riding is a recreational activity that provides a unique combination of physical, emotional, and social benefits. The emphasis is on horseback riding and horsemanship skills.

Horses used for adaptive riding lessons have been screened and trained to ensure they have the appropriate temperament for this kind of work.

During Adaptive Riding lessons, the certified instructor continually assesses and modifies instruction based on the client’s responses.

It is very unlikely that insurance will cover Adaptive Riding lessons as AR is considered a recreational activity.

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NCEFT: HORSES. HOPE. HEALING.

Horses. Hope. Healing. Three simple words that, when combined, have the power to transform lives. NCEFT is centered around helping people. We are about compassion, inclusiveness, and offering the highest level of service to those in need. We do this by harnessing the unique connection between horses and humans. NCEFT is also about community. Many of our clients and families describe NCEFT as a place that feels like home with people who feel like family.

 

 

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NCEFT
880 Runnymede Road
Woodside, CA 94062-4132

P: (650) 851-2271
F: (650) 851-3480
E: info@nceft.org

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© 2022-2025 The National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy. NCEFT is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation established in 1971. Tax ID# 94-2378104.