1. sports
2. horses

How-to-Host
AHA, INC. Approved Level I
Hippotherapy
Treatment Principles
American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.
All materials contained in this document are the property of the American Hippotherapy Association,
Inc., and may not be duplicated for personal use without the expressed, written consent of AHA, Inc.
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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AN INTRODUCTION TO HOSTING:
AHA, INC strives to provide the highest quality of educational experiences for those interested
in hippotherapy as a treatment strategy and hosting facilities play an integral role in the success of
our workshops and curriculum. Facilities interested in hosting and AHA, INC Level I workshop
should be able to provide a classroom space and arena time for four days during the scheduled
workshop. Facilities should have an adequate number of trained horses that are able to be handled
by those with limited horse knowledge, current patients receiving hippotherapy as part of their plan
of care, available staff to assist with the course as well as an indoor arena. Facilities unable to meet
these requirements are unsuitable for hosting the Level I workshop. Course approvals are usually
completed within ten business days; however a course approval may take up to two weeks during
peak times of the year or if there are any concerns with the course documents. An AHA, INC course
may not be advertised prior to receipt of the official email of approval from the AHA, INC office. The
AHA, INC office is unable to review and approve new courses for 2 weeks prior to the AHA, INC
International Conference; however, courses will be added and approved after conference in
accordance with the above guidelines.
AHA, INC PROCEDURES FOR HOSTING A WORKSHOP
1.
All Facilities hosting any AHA, Inc Education Course must be Facility level members of AHA,
Inc at the time of applying for course approval and through at least the last day of the
course. An AHA, Inc Facility Level membership can be applied for at the same time that
course paperwork is submitted to the AHA, Inc Office. Memberships run for 12 months from
the month of application. A Facility membership form and benefits listing is at the end of
host packets.
2.
Once a faculty has been contracted and course dates have been set, the facility shall contact
the AHA, Inc Office, via email, to submit a reservation for the specific faculty and course
dates. The application form, advertising brochure (download a sample from our website) and
insurance coverage listing AHA, Inc as an additional insured for the course dates is then due
in to the office within 10/ten business days of the reservation application. Paperwork started
but not completed within 30 days will nullify the reservation and will require a resubmission
of the application, and the AHA, Inc Faculty will be notified they may schedule with another
facility for those dates.
3.
Fees – The hosting facility will be responsible for a fee payable to AHA, Inc as follows:
Four day courses: $75 per attendee – AHA, INC, Inc Education discount coupons can be
accepted. The fees are to be paid for by check, made payable to American Hippotherapy
Association, Inc. or via credit card and MUST BE attached to the AHA, INC course
payment form. Payment of the fees is required at the completion of the workshop and
should be mailed directly to the AHA, Inc Office along with the payment form, within 7 days
of the end of the course.
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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4.
Manuals/Handouts – Course manuals for Level I Hippotherapy Treatment Principles are to
be ordered from the AHA, INC Office at least TWO WEEKS before the first day of the course.
There is no charge to the facility for these manuals and ground shipping is included. You
should also ensure, two weeks prior to the start of the course, that all attendees have taken
and passed the online “Intro to Equine Skills” course.
5.
Facilities must advertise a rate for attendees who are members vs. non-members in their
brochure or website advertising. The additional amount for attending as a non-member is
$125.00 – to be collected and paid to AHA, Inc as part of the AHA, Inc Payment form.
Attendees may reduce their costs by signing up for membership benefits before the course,
which may include a $25 education discount coupon that can be applied to their course
registration.
6.
Facilities must obtain an AHA, Inc membership number, as well as the certificate of
completion from the ONLINE Introduction to Equine Skills test, from each attendee and
document this on the attendance list. Any attendees without an AHA, Inc member # will
require the facility to submit $125 per person to as part of the payment form. The facility
must collect and submit testing certificates, and $25 coupons along with the payment form
to the AHA, Inc office upon completion of the course.
7.
Completion certificates to be provided by the Facility or Faculty. Paid participants (as
reflected in the # of participants on the payment form) can receive a certificate of completion
at the end of each course with the number of contact hours.
8.
INSURANCE: AHA, INC Education course hosting facilities MUST provide insurance naming
AHA, INC as an additional insured with respects to the course event – with the specific
course dates listed on the insurance certificate. Typically, an additional $35 – $50 fee will be
required by your insurer to make this addition, which will then be in effect for the event and
subsequent AHA, INC events for the term of the current policy.
Approval of the course and listing on the AHA, INC website cannot occur without following
the above process. Approved AHA, INC courses MUST/WILL be listed on the AHA, INC
website and cannot be limited to, or offered exclusively by, the facility to their own
staff/invitees. Facilities may limit the number of attendees based on their class room size,
available horses, or other limiting factors not related to the fact that the course will be
advertised. Failure to follow any of these procedures may affect this and future course
approval.
Marketing considerations for Facilities:
**AHA, INC will not approve additional courses that are scheduled to be held within 30 days or 200
miles of another approved/listed course. Meaning identical courses scheduled within 30 days of
each other must be more than 200 miles apart to be approved.
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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AHA, Inc Faculty Process: Locating and contracting with faculty
• American Hippotherapy Association, Inc. (AHA, INC) Faculty are the only individuals authorized to
teach the AHA, INC approved Hippotherapy courses and curriculum.
• Each course requires at least one AHA, INC, Faculty Coordinator.
• AHA, INC Faculty Coordinators encompass Physical and Occupational Therapists and Speech
Language Pathologists.
• Each AHA, INC Coordinating Faculty member sets their daily rates and expenses. It is customary
to include travel, lodging, meals and a fee to conduct the course.
• Several AHA, INC Faculty Coordinators should be contacted to determine their daily rates,
expenses and availability before one is selected to teach the course.
• AHA, INC also has Associate and Adjunct Faculty who may assist with the course. They set their
daily rates and expenses as well and the AHA, INC Faculty Coordinator will assist you with these
details.
• AHA, INC also has Apprentices who assist in the courses that do not charge a fee. However, the
host facility may chose to provide meals, travel and/or lodging for Apprentice Faculty.
• Once a faculty has been contracted for the course, the facility must then contact the AHA, INC
Office to place a reservation for the course dates and their faculty via email. Applications must then
be completed and submitted back to the AHA, INC Offices within 10/ten business days.
NOTE: Additional responsibilities and final agreement of responsibilities should be determined by the faculty
and the hosting facility. This may, or may not be in written contract form at the discretion of the faculty/host
facility; however, AHA, INC suggests the use of a written and signed agreement.
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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HOSTING FACILITY EQUIPMENT/HORSE/PATIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Secure the use of an indoor arena, or barn area for cross tying or securing horses for grooming,
appropriate horses, horse handlers, tack, and equipment, ground poles, cones, and jump
standards. An indoor arena sized at least 100’ x 60’ is preferred. Arena footing should be of
sufficient depth and resiliency to meet industry standards. There should be a ramp or mounting
block available.
2) Four to six trained and conditioned horses (or a number appropriate to the number of participants - ratio
of one horse for four participants). All horses should be suitable for the beginner horsemanship student
and capable of carrying adults. These are the horses for the mounted practicum. They need to be sound,
with a regular 4 beat walk. They do not necessarily need to be HPOT horses. They do need to be
comfortable being handled with a person mounted, and to work in an arena in a group situation. In
addition, horses are needed for the treatment demo’s which may or may not be the same ones used in the
mounted practicum.
3) Tack for each horse including halters, lead ropes, saddles, pads, bareback pads, bridles and appropriate
tack for hippotherapy. Demonstrations will include bridling with a bit – if you only use bit-less bridles,
please work with your horses to ensure they will accept a bit during this portion of the education course.
Suggested additional tack: lunge lines, long lines, anti-cast, vaulting and lunging surcingles along with
dressage or lunge whips.
4) One horse handler for each horse to assist with leading and ground management
5) Helmets for course participants.
6) A classroom with an on-site bathroom, A/V required by faculty, other equipment needs:
a) Classroom should have chairs and tables for participants.
b) Name tags for participants.
c) Release forms for participants including liability release and photo release.
d) Sign in sheets for each day of the workshop
e) Audio/Visual Equipment:
i) LCD Projector for Power Point
ii) VHS/ DVD player and monitor
iii) Flip Chart, easel, paper and pens
iv) Microphone/Podium/ Wireless Microphone for practicums (optional)
7) Secure Patients:
Two to three patients presently receiving hippotherapy as part of their PT/OT or ST plan of care.
Completed medical history/physician release forms for each patient.
Signed patient registration forms with liability and photo releases for each patient.
Helmet and safety equipment for patients.
The facility should have a specific course liability release form for each patient participating in the demonstrations. The
release should mention that there are risks inherent in having different therapists treat the patient and no guarantee is made
that the patient will receive any benefit from participating in the demonstration, as it is for education purposes only
8) Therapy Equipment:
a) Portable treatment table or mat
b) 55-65 cm therapy or gymnastic ball
c) Carpeted barrel or bolster (optional)
d) Vaulting barrel (optional)
e) Rag Doll or NDT Therapy Doll (18-24”) (optional)
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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9) Submit a description of horses to be used including size, age, description of training/experience/handling
style to the AHA, INC Coordinating Faculty.
10) Provide a participant and patient list to include discipline, contact information, experience, height, weight,
etc. to the AHA, INC Coordinating Faculty member.
11) Timing: The facility must be able to accommodate the timeframe for the course and the availability of the
faculty to teach. The course schedule has some flexibility, but is not able to be altered in terms of length
or content.
NOTE: Additional responsibilities and final agreement of responsibilities should be determined by the faculty
and the hosting facility. This may, or may not be in written contract form at the discretion of the faculty/host
facility; however, AHA, INC suggests the use of a written and signed agreement.
AHA, INC Approved Course – General Information
Therapists must attend all four days of the Level I course. ALL attendees must take and pass the
ONLINE “Introduction to Equine Skills” test and provide the certificate of completion from the online
course to the host facility when registering for a Level I. Please refer registrants for your course to
the home page of our website, or the education course schedule page for information on
purchasing/taking the online test.
The Level l course is mandatory to become eligible for PATH, Intl Registered Therapist Status or
AHCB Certified in Hippotherapy.
Intended Audience:
This course is designed for entry level therapists (PT, PTA’s , OT, COTA’s, and SLP’s) utilizing
hippotherapy as a treatment strategy and those in or working with hippotherapy teams. Hands on
practicums with horses are included in this course. It can be attended by graduate occupational,
speech and physical therapists in their last semester of graduate school. Horse handlers that work
in the hippotherapy team will benefit from the focus on obtaining quality movement and
understanding the “body language” of the horse. PATH, Intl riding instructors may attend with the
treating therapist as part of their team.
The AHA, INC Level I Hippotherapy Treatment Principle workshop is designed for Physical Therapists, Occupational
Therapists and Assistants and Speech and Language Pathologists. Registrations from individuals outside of these
disciplines are required to be cleared by the AHA, INC Coordinating Faculty scheduled to teach that workshop. It is the
Hosting Facility’s responsibility to contact the AHA, INC Coordinating Faculty.
Please visit the AHA, Inc website under “Education” for a full course syllabus.
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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Budgeting and Organizing an AHA, INC Education Course
Before you can set the fees for participants, make certain you have accounted for the following
course costs:
•
Faculty fees – to include fee to conduct the course, travel expenses, accommodations and
meals
•
Arena/facility rental – if you need to secure an indoor arena which you normally share with
other professionals
•
Telephone – long distance calls, both with faculty and potential/attending therapists
•
Participant manuals are provided at no charge for this course, but must be ordered from the
AHA, INC office 2/two weeks before the course start date. Manuals shipped after this time
frame will add shipping fees to the course costs.
•
Brochures advertising the course – preparation, postage
•
Local advertising
•
Participant fee – to be paid per person/per course
•
Catering: it is strongly recommended to provide snacks and drinks during the workshop.
Meals are optional for the host facility to provide based on accessibility to food options in the
area and transportation access for the participants.
•
Staff or volunteers you will have on hand to assist the course faculty
•
Loss of income if treatment or other facility use must be cancelled or altered to accommodate
the workshop
•
•
AHA, INC suggests contacting the state professional organizations for continuing education
unit approval for the course participants. Assistance with this process may be obtained from
the AHA, INC Coordinating Faculty.
Fees for obtaining continuing education unit approval from corresponding professional
organizations such as the state PT, OT or SLP Association.
•
AHA, INC asks all hosting facilities to include the following cancellation policy with all
marketing and registration materials, i.e. brochures and registration forms:
Please include on your brochure/advertising this entire policy:
Cancellation Policy: AHA, INC and the host facility reserve the right to adjust program dates,
times and faculty to accommodate unforeseen circumstances; we will only notify advanced
registrants of any program changes. Neither AHA, INC nor the host facility are responsible for any
expenses incurred by registrants due to such adjustments. AHA, INC and the host facility reserve
the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or unforeseen circumstances up to 2
weeks prior to start of the course. If a participant wishes to cancel; cancellation notices must be
provided in writing from participants up to 2 weeks prior to the course start date to receive a refund
minus a $100 administrative fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received within two
weeks prior to the start of the course.
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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Application for Hosting the AHA, INC Level I Course:
Name of Sponsoring Program/Facility: _____________________________________________________
AHA, Inc Facility Membership# : __________________________________________________________
Facility Contact Person: _________________________________________________________________
Facility Contact Person Email: ____________________________________________________________
Street Address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________State: ________ Zip Code: ___________________________
Contact Phone w/area code: _____________________________________________________________
Course: AHA, INC Level I Hippotherapy Treatment Principles____________________________________
Date(s) of Course: ______________________________________________________________________
Approved AHA, INC Faculty teaching this course:
AHA, INC Coordinating Faculty: _________________________________________________________________
AHA, INC Coordinating Faculty: __________________________________________________________________
AHA, INC Associate Faculty: ___________________AHA, INC Apprentice Faculty: ___________________
Required supporting documentation that must be enclosed with this form before course approval:
__________*A copy of your course brochure (sample obtained from AHA, Inc website)
_________ *We have an indoor arena / Size ___________
/ We need a waiver __________
_________ *A Certificate of liability insurance coverage, which lists this course and
course dates and AHA, Inc as an additional insured.
Preferred submission process: Fax to: 877-800-3498
Call the AHA, INC Offices at 877-851-4592 with any questions
or for process assistance.
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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AHA, INC Membership Form
Facility Member $250/$285 Intl
*************************************************
Facility Name:_________________________________________________________________________
Facility Contact :____________________________________Phone:______________________________
Mailing Address:_______________________________________________________________________
City / State:__________________________________________________________ Zip:_____________
Email for Facility contact:________________________________________________________________
Website: _____________________________________________________________________________
List E-newsletter recipients / Name and email address / Limit of 5:
Name:_____________________________Email: ____________________________________________
Name:_____________________________Email: _____________________________________________
Name:_____________________________Email: _____________________________________________
Name:_____________________________Email: _____________________________________________
Name:_____________________________Email: _____________________________________________
***List the facility on AHA, INC’s website under “Find a Facility”?
Payment method: Credit card / Type:
Yes/No
Mastercard / Amex / Visa / Discover
Number: _________________________________________________________ Exp Date: ___________
Check #___________________________________________
***Memberships will require renewal one year from the date of the application***
Mail payment to: AHA, INC / PO Box 577 /Lafayette CO 80026 / Fax to: 877-700-3498 / Call: 877-851-4592
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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AHA, INC Facility Level Membership Benefits:

An annual facility membership certificate


Use of the AHA, INC Member Logo
Three copies of AHA, INC’s HIPPOTHERAPY Magazine - published 2x per year
All E-Newsletters sent to up to five addresses - published quarterly


Access to our Members Only area on the website, including an on-line
Membership Directory and new fact sheets

Listing on the “Find A Facility” area of the AHA, INC Website with your business website included

Three coupons entitling your staff or therapists to attend AHA, INC Education Courses or the AHA,
INC International Conference at the AHA, INC Member Rate - $300 or more value

Two coupons entitling your staff or therapists to attend AHA, INC Education Courses at a reduced
rate - $50 value


Two 10% off coupons for AHA, INC owned merchandise
One free quarter page size ad per year in HIPPOTHERAPY Magazine

Two free business card-sized ads per year in the E-Newsletter
AHA, INC Level 1 Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Hosting Information – Rev Aug 2013
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