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Forward Stride is dedicated to improving lives
through equine-assisted activities and therapies. Founded in 2003,
Forward Stride is the largest therapeutic center of its kind in
Oregon. HippotherapyHippotherapy is a physical, occupational, or speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes the multidimensional movement of a horse. It is facilitated by our staff physical and occupational therapists. This strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program, with the ultimate goal of achieving functional outcomes. It does not teach riding skills. Clients must be 2 years of age. Why use a horse? The gait of the horse is similar to the human gait and thus can facilitate corresponding movement patterns in the human pelvis. The horse’s walk provides additional sensory input that is variable, rhythmical, and repetitive. This dynamic movement, coupled with the traditional physical or occupational therapy techniques, can provide heightened functional outcomes. Some of the more significant benefits of hippotherapy are: increased trunk and postural control, increased mobility and strength, normalized tone/spasticity, improved balance and coordination, improved cognitive skills and improved sensorimotor function. Children respond especially well to hippotherapy as their relationship with the horse provides them with the additional motivation needed to achieve their goals. It’s a powerful combination. Hippotherapy is a medically-recognized treatment with an insurance billing code. Forward Stride does not bill insurance directly nor receives reimbursement directly from insurance companies. However, the staff can assist clients with providing documentation in order to seek their own reimbursement. Learn more about Hippotherapy... Hippotherapy is ongoing and can be registered for at any time. For questions regarding this therapy, please contact our Hippotherapy Coordinator, Laurie Schick, at (503) 682-9022, or email laurie.schick@forwardstride.org.
RidingOpportunities for fitness and fun are rare for many with disabilities and chronic medical issues. We provide therapeutic sport riding lessons for adults and children, ages 4 and up. In an effort to fully live our principle that "all bodies can ride," we offer inclusive classes. This environment enhances the therapeutic benefit. We teach balanced seat horseback riding for all disciplines and the basics of horsemanship. Forward Stride's exceptional team of specially trained instructors and horses provide an integrated approach to therapeutic sport riding. The building of self-esteem is realized through incremental riding accomplishments coupled with the responsibility of grooming and caring for their horse. Riders can enjoy a number of physical and neurological benefits due to the rhythmic, repetitive motion of the horse's gait. In addition, class participation can increase trunk strength and balance, improve sensory integration, and expand mobility and flexibility. Lessons are taught by NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructors, and assisted by a team of trained volunteers who may lead the horse and sidewalk beside the rider if needed. The volunteers provide vital one-on-one contact with the riders at all times. All of our instructors and volunteers adhere to NARHA guidelines on therapeutic riding while maintaining a safe environment.
Learn more about Therapeutic Riding...
Riding: All classes are prepaid. Classes are 50 minutes in length and can include grooming and groundwork activities. There are no make-ups for lessons cancelled by the client, or by Forward Stride due to weather, or other factors beyond the Center’s control.
VaultingSome trace the origins of vaulting to Roman games, which included acrobatic displays on cantering horses. Others claim it is rooted in the bull dancers of ancient Crete. In either case, people have been performing acrobatic and dance-like movements on the backs of moving horses for more than 2,000 years. Forward Stride’s inclusive vaulting program specifically addresses the physical and social needs of kids as they grow stronger and more mobile. Therapeutic vaulting classes and the competitive Flying Star Vaulters club offer an environment where kids develop poise, balance, strength, and creativity. Working individually or in teams, vaulting teaches students character building skills that can’t be beat: teamwork, trust, focus, and self-confidence. Vaulting is not only the safest of the equestrian sports, documentation indicates that it is safer than riding bicycles, playing on playground equipment, and even playing soccer. Many factors contribute to the safety of our sport including the fact that the horse is controlled at all times by an experienced, trained longeur. Vaulters are taught to condition their bodies with stretching and strengthening exercises, and are also taught safe mounts and dismounts at all levels. Also, most exercises are learned on a stationary apparatus, called a vaulting barrel, before they are performed on the horse. The Flying Star Vaulters are club members of the American Vaulting Association. With a combination of talent, dedication and a fun sense of humor, our coach energizes her classes, finds the potential in every student, and takes them to new heights. Point to the stars – with your toes! Vaulting is ongoing and can be registered for at any time. All classes are prepaid. Classes are 2 hours in length.
PSSST! Looking for a special gift? How about a parent-child horseback riding lesson! It's an awful lot of fun for kids, who have been working so hard on their skills, to show their parents just how it's done! Or perhaps you've always wanted a family lesson, but never had the opportunity. Well, it¹s time to put wishing aside, hoof it on over to Forward Stride and get on a horse! |
Our
Hippotherapy Program offers people of all ages—including children as
young as two—uniquely powerful therapeutic sessions on horseback
with licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists. 
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