THERAPEUTIC ANIMAL PARTNERS INC
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Mission Statement
Therapeutic Animal Partners (TAP) enriches the lives of adults and children with a variety of disabilities (cognitive, physical, mental, behavioral, etc.) through therapeutic partnerships with horses and small animals.
About This Cause
TAP is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in June 2007. TAP's growth and development are a result of a wonderful group of volunteers who take care of all facets of the organization. From the founder/executive director to those feeding the 21 animals, mowing the grass, teaching lessons, marketing, administrative duties and on and on, TAP is blessed to have amazing people give of their time and talents to further the mission of the organization. ***TAP is always looking for new vols to join the team so please contact us if you are interested in learning more about our variety of volunteer opportunities.*** TAP offers year round programs that include group and individual horsemanship lessons, interactive vaulting, animal assisted learning and specialized courses to participant’s age four years and up. Physicians, therapists, teachers and friends refer students to the Center. The Center’s certified instructors, teachers and therapist design individual lesson plans for each participant tailored to their ability level. Through a variety of animal-related activities, our participants realize many benefits that can include greater confidence, self-awareness, increased balance, muscle strength and self-esteem. CURRENT PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN with DISABILITIES: 1. THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP - Utilizing the horse to foster independence and achieve cognitive, physical and behavioral therapeutic goals while mastering ground and/or mounted equestrian skills. Lessons range from 30-minute private sessions to one-hour groups of up to four participants. 2. BARNYARD BUDDIES - Interactions and activities involving all of our farm animals geared towards learning care and compassion along with specifics about each animal. Many different skill sets are enhanced through this program (ex: reading, speech, fine motor, memory, repetition). Currently we have horses, chickens, rabbits, cats & goats. If the participants are available for a lesson during a feeding time then they also are able to learn how to feed the animals. In warm weather they enjoy giving horses baths. 3. INTERACTIVE VAULTING - A process that engages participants in horse activities, movements around, on and off the horse or barrel. Dynamic and static exercises and transitions performed on and around the moving horse or stationary barrel. A 90-minute group lesson of 3-6 participants. Each participant must be able to walk and jog independently and follow two-step directions. Vaulting can improve strength, balance, teamwork skills, consideration for others (horse and human partners), self-esteem, increase attention span and much more. 4. BARN MANAGEMENT – A career building program that teaches participants needed skills such as horse feeding and care, barn cleaning, safety and so much more. The goal of this program is to offer participants hands-on training to take with them out into the community to pursue a career in the barn/equine care industry. Minimum age to enroll is 15 years old. Participants must be able to walk and jog independently and follow two-step directions. TAP also does several outreach visits in the community each year. TAP has three different types of outreach programs: 1. ANIMAL ASSISTED LEARNING A TAP Nationally Certified Instructor consults with facility/staff to create a customize curriculum to teach hands-on, interactive topics such as: grooming, height/weight, body parts & markings, leading, routine health care, breeds and much more. 2. MEET & MINGLE TAP trained volunteers & staff lead the animals around a designated area. Clients/general public will be able to touch, ask questions about and take pictures with the therapeutic animals. 3. ONE-ON-ONE EXERCISE/INTERACTION PROGRAMS A TAP Nationally Certified Instructor will attend each visit to oversee the interactions between the TAP therapeutic animal partners and the clients. The one-on-one exercise/interaction programs will be geared towards the physical and cognitive abilities of each individual client, created in partnership with the visiting facility staff. Activities may include: leading around a set course from wheelchair/walker or independently; stretching arms while brushing; counting strokes while brushing or walking, etc.