About Sycamore Pond Horse Center

SYCAMORE POND HORSE CENTER offers equine-assisted activities aimed at contributing positively to the physical, cognitive and social/emotional well being of people with disabilities. THERAPEUTIC RIDING: Riding Horses is an activity enjoyed by many people, but for individuals with a disability it can be much more – a significant part of their therapy and recovery. Sycamore Pond Horse Center is a Member Center accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and fulfills all NARHA membership requirements and adheres to NAHRA’s high standards for safety and excellence.

EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING (EAL) uses primarily non-mounted activities to achieve behavior goals and character education. These activities are designed to teach life skills and strengthen student’s academic performance, to stimulate their social and emotional abilities, responsibility and organizational skills, and to promote self esteem and healthy life choices. We have developed and are continuously practicing an EAL program to teach these skills to students with special needs.

EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (EAP) is an emerging field similar to therapeutic riding in which horses are used in collaborative efforts between a licensed therapist and a horse professional which should be trained by the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA) or the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). In collaboration with a therapist we are currently developing a program in EAP.

LOCATION: Sycamore Pond Horse Center is located at 2288 Stringer Lane in Mount Washington, Kentucky, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Louisville and 20 minutes from Bardstown.

STAFF:

• Christiane Koenemund: NARHA certified and EAGALA trained instructor; MA in special education; 20 years experience working with students with various disabilities and special needs
• Michael Breindl: Ph.D. in Biology; 50 years experience in horsemanship; has managed the horse facility since 2002
• Vivia Sharp: instructor-in-training for NARHA certification
• Volunteers: several volunteers regularly assist with the center's activities.
• Animals: the Center currently has five horses and one miniature donkey to be used in the programs