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Our programs, see which is right for you
Our mission is to help each individual become the best they can be through interaction with specially trained horses and instructors. It can be summarized in one sentence, “Changing lives, Bit by Bit.”
Individual Behavioral and Family psychotherapy in a fun, stable setting.
Is your family dealing with a member who has been diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, Autistic Disorder, anxiety or depression? Then this may be the track for you. Parents and the diagnosed child participate in a round of behaviorally oriented therapy that is aimed at smoothing the bumps in the road. Sessions are conducted by a licensed clinical psychologist and are usually accompanied by some horse time. Psychotherapy services are often covered partially or in full by insurance. Click below to request information
Riding Lessons for fun and competition
M&W Farm offers riding lessons for able bodied riders at the TROT campus. Lessons are taught by successful competitors in the equine industry.
Stable Moments at TROT
What is Stable Moments? It is a program that is designed to help children in the foster care system and children who are adopted cope with the challenges they face. It covers critical life skills such as emotional awareness, emotional regulation and independence. It pairs the child with a specially trained mentor that assists the child in learning these skills through fun games with horses.
Handicapped Assisted Horseback Recreational lessons
We offer recreational equestrian opportunities for people with physical disabilities. People with Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injuries or other physical disabilities can safely ride horses, drive pony carts, or just interact with horses. Much of this work is funded by a generous grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. See if you qualify for participation in this program.
Therapeutic Horse Activities
There is a considerable amount of research supporting the positive impact on brain function in individuals living with ADD, ADHD and ASD. After as little as 20 min on a moving horse, brain wave patterns begin to change, showing more normal activity. We take riders age 2 and up. Riding lessons are taught by instructors experienced in brain and behavior development. See our blog posts for more information on how horseback riding affects brain activity.
Therapeutic Riding of Tuscaloosa
Where do I start?
Each program at TROT requires you to complete an online form telling us about the client and what the goals are. Why? we want to make sure that we are the right fit for you. After you complete the basic intake for we schedule a session and help you get started
In the beginning
Your first session or lesson is a get to know you session where we get information to help us match you to a horse and schedule regular sessions that are tailored to address your concerns. Most clients start with individual sessions as there is a lot to do and a lot to learn. We find that the one on one attention is important at this stage. Many clients receive an individual mentor who is involved in each session.
As you progress
As the rider progresses we sometimes move to group lessons. This decision is based on several factors, all of which are carefully discussed before any changes are made. Regular feedback is provided on progress toward goals and setting new goals. We also ask for regular feedback from you as to how you feel you are progressing.
Parent support for families in the psychotherapy program
The psychologist meets with the client in individual or group sessions. Some sessions are conducted in the traditional office setting, and some are in the outdoor setting. When the client is a child, the psychologist works with both the child and the parent. After meeting with the child for a traditional setting, the child will engage in some horse time with a specially trained mentor. While the child is engaged in this equine assisted work, our psychologist meets with the parents/caregivers to talk about their stressors and come up with effective strategies to address issues at home. These are closely coordinated with the team members who are working with the child so that parents can continue working on the issues at home. Most of our parents really enjoy this time to discuss their own challenges in a supportive environment. Our psychologist uses empirically supported techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, supportive therapy and dynamic psychotherapy.
Who can benefit
We have treatment programs for individuals learning to live with various physical challenges such as CP. We also have programs for neurocognitive issues such as ADD, ADHD, ASD, learning disabilities and emotional issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We have special programs available to assist youngsters who need to develop critical life skills and those who have been through trauma. We monitor your progress with regular assessments to make sure we are on target and are providing the help you need.
What does it cost?
At this time regular riding lessons are billed at $65. Therapeutic riding lessons for those with physical or cognitive disabilities are billed at $75. Sessions for the psychotherapeutic track with Dr. Malone are often covered in full or part by insurance. If you ask for information on this program Ms. Neal-Epperson will help you with this process.