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Assignment 1: Agency Interview

Kael Bacon

Department of Graduate Teacher Education

Concordia University St. Paul

T&R Program

CI585: Educational Assessment, Cohort 407
Professor Rico Bohren

July 20th, 2024

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Walk On is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International certified program that offers therapeutic services to children (Pre-k through 12) and adults who have any physical, developmental, social and/or emotional disabilities through horseback riding and activities related to equine related services.

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Walk On Therapeutic Riding Programs, Inc. is a 501c 3 nonprofit organization and is overseen by a board of directors. They receive most of their funding through fundraising and donations, but also receive some grants. I heard about this program through fundraising efforts. They worked in the concession stand at our town-league baseball game where they got to keep all of the profits from sales that evening.

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Students and adults alike can sign up on their own, or have in the past been referred by friends, family, medical professionals, or school mental health services depending on a case by case basis.

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At the Walk On Therapeutic Riding Program, students and adults can participate in various activities that promote physical, emotional, and social well-being. These services might include therapeutic riding lessons where individuals with disabilities learn to ride horses, improving their balance, coordination, and confidence. Equine-assisted therapy sessions might be available, where interacting with horses helps with emotional healing and developing social skills. Additionally, there might be programs focusing on building life skills through horse care and stable management. Overall, these services provide a supportive environment for personal growth and healing in mind, body and spirit.

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Walk On is open to everyone, welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether someone is seeking physical rehabilitation, emotional healing, or simply a unique form of therapy, the program offers tailored services to meet diverse needs. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the program ensures that everyone can benefit from the healing power of horses in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Additionally, Walk On also has a "Horses for Heroes" program to services veterans and first responders.

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At Walk On, assessments are used to tailor services to each participant's unique needs. Initially, professionals evaluate physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities to design personalized therapeutic plans. Regular assessments monitor progress and adjust activities to ensure optimal benefits. For instance, if a student shows improvement in balance and coordination, the riding lessons might be adjusted to introduce more complex exercises. These continuous assessments help ensure that each participant receives the most effective support for their personal growth and therapeutic goals. Walk On also in certain cases works with medical professionals to better serve it's riders.

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The professionals at Walk on offer services that are trauma-informed, meaning they prioritize safety, trust, and empowerment. The staff is trained to recognize and respond to trauma symptoms, creating a supportive and stable environment for participants. Activities with horses are designed to be non-threatening and predictable, helping individuals build confidence and emotional resilience. The program also incorporates individualized plans that consider each participant's history and needs, promoting healing and recovery through positive, structured interactions with horses and compassionate guidance from trained professionals.

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Walk On is very involved in its home community here in River Falls Wisconsin. Rather it is volunteering at our Fight Fish Baseball games (where I met Jayne and Jenni and had our conversation about the program), or working with local business to spread the word about the program and fundraise. They also work with the medical community and schools for referrals, and the Horses for Heroes program serves our community members who have served.

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Walk ON has a profound impact, fostering physical rehabilitation, emotional healing, and personal growth. Through tailored, trauma-informed services, participants build confidence, improve coordination, and develop emotional resilience. The inclusive environment ensures that individuals from all backgrounds can experience the therapeutic benefits of working with horses, leading to enhanced well-being and quality of life.

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Home | Walk on Therapeutic. (n.d.). Walk on Therapeutic. https://www.walkontherapeutichorsemanship.org/

McCarthy M. S. (2022, February 9). The Magic of Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP) - Trauma Therapist Network. Trauma Therapist Network -. https://traumatherapistnetwork.com/emdr-therapy-equine-therapy/

Monson, C. M., & Shnaider, P. (2014). Theory underlying trauma-focused interventions. Treating PTSD with cognitive-behavioral therapies: Interventions that work. (pp. 11-19, Chapter viii, 132 Pages). American Psychological Association, American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14372-002