Seeking Recommendations for Some Good Riding Therapy Centers

Hi A.,

My four year old daughter also has cerebral palsy. We do hippotherapy at a place called therapyworks in Boring,OR. There is also another large place called Forward Stride in Wilsonville (actually I think they recently moved to a bigger location in Beaverton). We haven't been there but I have heard good things about it. There are also places that do riding for kids, but from what I have found there are very few that do the hippotherapy program.

Good luck to you and your son. I know how challenging things can be sometimes.

A.,

Forward stride (www.forwardstride.org) and happy trails (www.happytrc.com). I don't have personal experience from them, but have heard of them.

G.

I have a friend who takes her son to one, and she lives in Vancouver. If you'd like to give me an email address I could forward to her, I'd be happy to do so.

Hello A.,

Hippotherapy is great for CP - my brother has CP and did extensive riding therapy which was v. beneficial.

My son, Freddy is 4 1/2 with autism and a host of other sensory/developmental dx's. We had quite good luck at Forward Stride - the stables are in Beaverton - off 217 and Scholls Ferry. V expensive - $120 for intake eval and then $90 per 50 min session. My BCBS picked up 80% with using the autism dx code. My decision to suspend Freddy's therapy was based on a bad experience where he was put on a horse that was a little bit too energetic. He remains terrified of horses to this day (stopped approx 2 months ago).

For the most part however, I think they are a good organization. Website is www.forwardstride.org or something similar. Best person to speak to is Laurie Schick - Head PT.

They do ask for payment up front and do not file insurance on your behalf.

Feel free to write if you need more information. Additionally have heard that a similar stable is opening in the Gresham area - not sure of details or dates.

Take care,

M.

I checked with a friend who is knowledgeable about this, and she sent me these sites:

Local resources:

www.forwardstride.org
www.blueheavenacademy.org

Resource about riding and CP:

www.cerebralpalsy.org/news/article-on-horseback-riding-as...

Best wishes for good times and good health for all your family.

A.