BINA Farm Center

EQUINE ASSISTED ACTIVITES

Therapeutic Horseback Riding:
Therapeutic riding at the BINA Farm Center is an equine-assisted activity designed to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs. While accomplishing the goal of learning to ride a horse, our students experience improved strength, coordination, balance, focus and self-esteem. Horses act as a powerful motivational tool for learning. In addition to the benefits gained by being on the horse, un-mounted horse related activities such as grooming or tacking can improve and reinforce motor planning, eye-hand coordination, visual recognition and social skills. There is less resistance to learning when animals are involved. Observing, interacting and working with horses not only engages individuals it can help them learn about themselves and their environment. Improvements can be seen in impulse control, self-confidence, communication skills, trusting others and problem solving skills.

Hippotherapy:
Hippotherapy is not horseback riding or therapeutic riding. Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy that is used by occupational, physical, or speech therapists. Hippotherapy utilizes specific equine movement to address functional therapy goals as part of a patient’s integrated rehabilitation plan of care. Equine movement is continually modified during a treatment session based on the client’s response as well as the patient’s needs and rehabilitation progress. The horse’s gait provides rhythmic, symmetric, multi-dimensional and directional movement that can be repeated consistently during a treatment session. Hippotherapy offers the patient organized motor and sensory input that can be modified by the therapist to help patient's achieve functional goals. Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy that is used to treat individuals as young as 2 years old, as well as adults, who have a diagnosis of a neuromuscular disorder, cognitive impairment or sensory processing dysfunction which may be compounded by social and emotional challenges.

Recreational Riding:
In addition to hippotherapy and therapeutic riding lessons, the BINA Farm offers recreational horseback riding lessons for able-bodied siblings, family members and friends of our therapeutic clients or those in the community. This is a great way for families and friends to share the unique experience of being together and riding horses.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

Horsemanship:
This is a wonderful program that offers older children, teenagers and young adults who are interested in the field of caring for horses to gain hands on horsemanship experience. They can learn skills such as feeding and watering of the horses, daily maintenance of a barn, cleaning, bedding and care of saddlery. Often our riders want to have more "horse" time and horsemanship lessons are a wonderful way to fulfill that. Many children who live in the city or attend inner city schools could benefit from being part of this program. Families, friends and others in the community can participate in this program as well - thereby sharing in the experience. Individual or semi-private classes are available at a variety of times, please email us at info@binafarm.org for more information.

Sustainable Living:
An important part of this program is to teach our participants how to help make changes in a society that is slowly moving towards being more sustainable. We will introduce both simple and complex ideas which can be implemented at home and in every day lives which help the Earth and all who are on it. Through this program we can teach our students about organic gardening, compost, recycling, alternative energy, carbon footprints and the rewards from respecting and being close to the Earth. Students will plant, maintain and learn to take pride in the herbs, vegetables and flowers they grow. All our students can choose to learn to prepare healthy meals using the fresh ingredients they produced. When we open our main facility, students will also have an opportunity to set goals, implement and achieve success in the BFC Organic Gardening Annual Fund-raiser. Students who participate may help decide how to best use the earnings to benefit the BFC. Leaders in the “Sustainable Living” movement will be invited to conduct lectures in areas such as alternative energy source, energy conservation and sustainable farming and eating.

CREATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES

Art, Musical, and Movement Therapies:
This program uses a variety of methods for students to choose how to explore self expression and build self-confidence. The instructor will use dance, music and games to help students become more aware of their body movements. Students will work on social skills, small and large motor movements and spatial awareness. Some students may feel more comfortable expressing themselves in our art therapy. Throughout the year we offer these programs, please email us at info@binafarm.org for program dates.

Indoor Rock Climbing:
This is a wonderful integrated program for a child or adult with a special need to enjoy with a friend or sibling. Rock Climbing is offered in group or private sessions.

Yoga Therapy:
Family Yoga is a wonderful inclusive program which includes breathing exercises, yoga postures, flowing sequences and a deep relaxation period. Participants will receive support through concrete directions, calming music and visuals – perfect for beginners. Our expert Yoga instructor, Elizabeth Goranson, M.S.ED has also created a Yoga mat for people with special needs that is a great tool which can be used. Yoga therapy is offered at a variety of times throughout the year. If you are interested and having a special Yoga event for your organization or group, please contact us for more information.

Massage for a Cause:
"Massage for a Cause" is massage therapy offered at our Natick Center. Come in for a wonderful massage by our certified therapists and 100% of the net proceeds will go directly into a scholarship fund for our Creative and Complementary Therapies.

Individualized Programs for Schools and Organizations:
BFC can put together a variety of programs with components from our Equine-Assisted Activities & Therapies, Life Skills & Vocational Training Programs and our Creative and Complementary Therapy programs.