Ironstone Therapy
Ironstone Therapy, Inc. provides medical equine-assisted therapy
A nonprofit affiliate of Challenge Unlimited, Ironstone Therapy, Inc. employs licensed professional physical and occupational therapists who provide therapeutic intervention for our clients as young as two years old. Ironstone Therapy, Inc. was established in 1997 as a medically-based physical and occupational therapy service provider and was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1998. As a result, numerous partnerships with educational and medical providers were established and in 2000 our first contract with Early Intervention was sealed.
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Therapy using the movement of the horse is the primary purpose of the Ironstone Therapy program and is the basis for our Equine-Assisted Therapy philosophy. When riding, the movement of the horse stimulates the sensation of walking for the person in the saddle. Ironstone’s therapists use this unique motion to help clients improve balance and coordination, increase muscle tone, and make gains in strength and stamina – all of which can be difficult to achieve in the classroom or clinic. The farm environment also provides a wide variety of sensory input, and a more natural community setting to work on social engagement with the horse and others. For the client, therapy is effective and fun!
Referral, documentation and progression
Ironstone Therapy’s clients are referred by physicians, Early Intervention programs, and word of mouth. Following referral, a therapy evaluation is conducted and a plan of care is determined. Progress is carefully monitored, documented. When a child achieves predetermined goals, recommendations are made for either discharge, or continuation with therapeutic/recreational riding in the Challenge Unlimited program.