Las Vegas Equestrian Academy Talisman Farm Launches Therapeutic Riding Program

LAS VEGAS - April 23, 2013 - PRLog -- The Las Vegas equestrian riding academy, Talisman Farm (http://www.talismanfarmlv.com/), now offers a Therapeutic Riding program under the supervision of PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) certified riding instructors. The new program provides children and adults living with cognitive and physical disabilities the opportunity to enjoy equine-assisted activities and horseback riding lessons for therapeutic, recreational, sport and educational purposes.

Talisman Farm’s Therapeutic Riding program is being administered by PATH certified riding instructors Jolene Hugo and Ann Marie Corey. In addition to her experience in equine instruction, Hugo brings to the program professional training as a certified occupational therapy assistant.

Corey comes to Talisman Farm with 20 years experience in therapeutic riding as an instructor and owner of Cape Cod, Massachusetts-based Elf-n-Wood Stables from 2000-2007. Her program taught on average 30-40 physically, cognitively and emotionally challenged students each week. Corey’s students competed in Special Olympics in the equestrian division as well as County and 4-H competitions. Under Corey’s direction, Talisman Farm’s Therapeutic Riding program also offers a specialized Vaulting program.

“When individuals with disabilities ride horses, they have a truly unforgettable experience. Not only do they sit taller and smile more, they also extend their dreams beyond the confines of their disabilities into new, unexplored worlds. Riding exercises the spirit as well as the body. Like many sports, horseback riding provides both challenges and rewards. For a rider with a disability, however, these challenges can be even greater. The end result is that riders are encouraged to expand the limits of their abilities in an environment that promotes success,” said Hugo.

Therapeutic riding develops physical strength, good posture and balance while building self-confidence and courage. The equine assisted activities benefit individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, Down Syndrome, autism, brain injury or head trauma, visual and hearing impairments, mental or learning disorders and muscular dystrophy.

“Horses help kids who can’t speak, see or hear find new ways to trust and connect with the world,” said Corey. “There’s a simple joy that comes with watching a child ride a horse.”

Owned and operated by nationally-known horse trainer and riding instructor Esther Hillner, Talisman Farm is the only European classical riding center in Las Vegas offering training for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders in Dressage, Hunt Seat Equitation, Hunter/Jumper and 3-Day Eventing. Talisman Farm also routinely hosts and sponsors regular clinics in show jumping with Olympic Silver Medalist Greg Best and USEF Show Team Rider Jennie Mccalister as well as dressage clinics with USDF Silver Medalist Will Faerber. All visiting clinic instructors are FEI level clinicians.

Committed to offering programs that benefit the community, Hillner’s Talisman Farm is an active participant in Horses 4 Heroes.  Hillner also developed the Talisman Farm Girl Scouts and Brownie Horsemanship Program.

Talisman Farm is located at 5771 W Rosada Way, Las Vegas, Nevada.  For more information on the Talisman Farm's Therapeutic Riding program contact Jolene Hugo at 812-205-8610. For more information on Talisman Farm, horse training, horse boarding and/or riding instructions contact Esther Hillner at 702-592-8381 or visit http://www.talismanfarmlv.com/.