Carlisle Academy helping educate ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ students about equine therapy

ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ students work with a child at Carlisle Academy

Carlisle Academy, New England’s premier integrative riding school, has partnered with the ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ to introduce future occupational, physical and speech therapists to equine therapy.

Offered to students in ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ’s Health, Wellness and Occupational Studies program in the Westbrook College of Health Professions, the course presents the fundamentals of hippotherapy, which was developed in therapists in Germany and introduced to the United States in the 1980s. Since that time, hippotherapy as a clinical treatment strategy has gained momentum and vital growth within the industry of animal-assisted therapy.

Equine therapy can be an effective approach for people with a variety of developmental, acquired or age-related challenges, as well as people with issues related to substance, physical and emotional abuse.

The course, titled β€œIntroduction to Equine Therapy and Wellness,” debuted during the Fall 2016 semester and includes lectures at ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ and lab sessions at Carlisle Academy in Lyman. The course instructor is Susan Grant, OTR/L, HCPS, a member of the Carlisle Academy clinical staff who is certified as a Hippotherapy Clinical Therapist.

Grant says, β€œThe students’ learning progression has exceeded my expectations. We have been able to discuss treatment theories used by experienced occupational therapists.” She added, β€œStudents have witnessed, firsthand, magnificent neurodevelopmental changes in our children that directly resulted from our equine based work.”

Students are excited about the opportunity to experience this unique learning opportunity as undergraduates. Megan Kenny, a Health, Wellness and Occupational Studies major, said, β€œThis type of hands-on learning is something you don’t normally get to do until you’re at the graduate level.” Fellow student Randi Talbot said, β€œThis is the best course we’ve taken because we’re already able to see results with the young riders engaged in equine therapy. It’s amazing.”

Sarah Armentrout, Head of School at Carlisle, says, β€œWe are grateful that the ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ has allowed us to be part of their students’ learning process. This is a rare university-level opportunity to gain insights and comprehension of hippotherapy and its applications to future clinical work.”
Elizabeth Francis-Connolly, Dean of the ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ Westbrook College of health Professions, said this course aligns well with the university’s commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders in their chosen health professions. β€œΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ has a long tradition of providing opportunities for our students to learn alongside experts in their chosen field. We are excited that our students are able to learn about hippotherapy from the experts and innovators at Carlisle Academy. This unique learning opportunity has strengthened our students’ graduate school applications and readiness for post graduate education.”

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To learn more about the ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ’s Westbrook College of Health Professions visit

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About the ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ

The ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.