:: Mission and about us ::

The mission of Northern Maine Riding Adventure's is to assist individuals with special needs to achieve the highest quality of life through the intervention of Therapeutic Riding and the magic that is Horses. We believe in the New England Tradition of positive human values, hard work, honesty and family traditions, based on Biblical principles. We are a four season Christian Equestrian Facility that offers programs in Therapeutic Riding to adolescents with learning disabilities, emotional and behavioral challenges, substance abuse issues, and mental health diagnoses. In addition, we work with youth with cognitive and neurological challenges with a special interest in those on the Autism Spectrum. We are also an equine business that offers riding lessons to the general public, offers wilderness trail rides to tourists into the Maine managed forest lands, coach the Inter collegiate Equestrian Team at the University of Maine at Orono and teach the riding program for the University of Maine Certificate in Equine Studies.

The woodlands and wetlands adjacent to NMRA provide habitat for Moose, Deer, Coyote, Black Bear, Red Fox, Mink, Beaver, Otter, Martin, Weasel, Ermine, Porcupine, Woodchuck, Skunk, Raccoon, Rabbit, Squirrel, Chipmunk, Muskrat, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Herons, Kestrel Falcons, Loons, Canadian Geese, Pheasant and Ruffled Grouse plus many other birds and animals not listed.

The property abuts many acres of State Game Preserves, privately owned woodlands, and farms through which NMRA personnel and guests have permission to ride.

NMRA provides a private campground on their main facilities in Dover-Foxcroft. This campground is used only for the adventure programs. It consists of a covered cooking area, a shower, a place for a campfire and outdoor toilets. In addition, we have a 20' yurt that we use for meetings, changing, time outs etc. This is available for sleeping if groups make prior arrangements.

We also work with the remote sporting camps called Packard's Camps in Willimantic, Maine. At this facility we have use of a special camping area for horses and riders. For a less rugged adventure, we are able to provide lodging at the cabins on the shores of Sebec Lake. This facility offers a remote base with swimming, canoeing, and fishing, as well as access to the trails into the Historic Borestone Mountain, Onawa Lake region.

We hold "Horsemanship and Riding Programs" in both English and Western riding and outdoor adventures with YMCA Camps. We have special classes for children and teens with emotional and behavioral problems. Our day and resident camps provide an opportunity to learn more about horses than one learns from just riding. This is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that teaches awareness and conservation of Maine's natural resources.

In the area of the "Special Needs Population", both physically or mentally challenged, NMRA offers specially designed classes for physical therapy and behavior modification in a supportive, positive success oriented environment.

Working with the therapist, rehab worker, or physical therapist, each student's classes are planned according to individual treatment plans and goals. We use horses to help individuals learn more about Self, the dynamics of relationships and development of interpersonal communication skills.

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy Lessons are designed to be activity-based groups, working on peer relationships, self-esteem, attachment issues, personal and interpersonal safety, trust building, fear, and conflict resolution.

We are able to diversify all of our programs to fit the needs of various state and community programs with different populations and to be a supportive program for the existing camps and programs through Experiential Recreational and Adventure Therapy.

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:: Equine Facilitated Mental Health :: :: Developmental Riding Therapy Program ::

For develop mentally delayed children, our riding program incorporates components of physical therapy, through the addition of a series of exercises on the horse to work with each child's special needs. Spatial integration through the movement of the horse, increased tactile awareness, and improved balance are only a few of the advantages to Therapeutic Riding.

Each child's program is designed as part of the treatment plan to meet specific goals. The riding instructor works closely with the physical therapist to supplement the traditional therapy using the horse as the actual modality. By combining a specific set of exercises with the motion of the moving animal, there is increased sensory integration through touch. Maintaining upright balance increases muscle tone, as well as improving mid line awareness while the child has the fun of interacting with the horse.

The remedial aspect of a Therapeutic Riding program involves learning to follow a series of simple directions to perform the specific exercises. In addition, children with attention problems quickly learn to stay focused on the tasks or the horse does not respond to their directions.

:: Equine Adventure Challenge Program ::

Our Equine Challenge Programs combine unconditional love from the horse with the peace and tranquility of the Maine Wilderness.

Our classrooms are the pristine mountain views, deep blue lakes and meadows where God's creatures and wild flowers abound. This escape into the world of peaceful solitude is a time to relax the body and heal the soul.

A relationship with a horse changes lives. In a dynamic learning environment, horses empower people to develop life skills such as conflict resolution, increased self-esteem, communication skills, team and leadership skills. Based on the Resiliency Model, we strive to help youth develop internal traits that will help them grow to strong, healthy adults.

With mental health professionals such as school counselors or therapists, and a therapeutic riding instructor, committed adults' help our students set safe boundaries and participate in safe risk- taking challenges. We hold youth to a high standard of behavior and help them understand and take responsibility for their behavior. We combine lessons and trail riding with camping out to practice healthy life skills in a physically and emotionally safe environment.

The programs are designed to be progressive in degree of risk. Each person's success is directly related to their willingness to follow directions and to challenge their pre-conceived ideas about themselves. The first day starts with learning about horses, progresses to preparing the horse for riding, continues with riding, and finishes with caring for the horse and equipment after riding. Each child is assigned its own horse for the length of the trip to help establish trust and begin learning how to build a relationship with an animal.

The first day consists of lessons all day long, with processing in the morning before we begin, after the morning session, and at the end of the day over the campfire. We discuss successes, frustrations and fears and allow each person to have input into how the next day will progress. We feel this is an important piece of each adventure so that each child has ownership of the program and remains committed to meeting the challenges of each new day. Typically, we review the first day's lessons in the morning and hit the trail for the afternoon. The two-three hour trail ride gives the staff an indication of the strengths and weaknesses of the participants, and allows us to plan a days adventure that is both challenging yet successful for each person. The third day we encourage riders to challenge themselves as we head out on the trail for a days riding adventure into more remote and difficult areas. The degree of risk is totally dependent on the skill level attained by the riders. Safety is our primary concern. All of our adventures are based on the ability of the least experienced rider.

:: Equine Integrated Studies Program ::

This program is in its second year and is designed for adolescents that have been identified as high risk and are non-motivated learners. In conjunction with School Administrative District#41 a group of 6 children from the fifth grade are chosen to participate. They study about horses at school and spend a total of 15 hours each grading period at Northern Maine Riding Adventures where they learn to gain confidence around horses, learn basic grooming and tacking skills, overcome fear and adversity, learn team building and cooperation skills that they can use in relationship with their peers, and progress to basic riding skills.

The program ends with independent riding on the trail. Twice a week during the academic day children, work on special research projects about horses. During this time, areas of studies include language arts, reading, computer skills, science, and community integration by visiting various stores that sell Equine products, and a visit with a farrier. The students put together a visual arts presentation, which they present to their family members at the school. This program is funded in part by a grant from United Way and Maine Healthy Communities, and SAD. #41 thru money titled the Safe and Drug Free Schools.

:: Staffing ::

Head Instructor Judy Cross-Strehlke is a certified Advanced Level Clinician and Instructor in the discipline of "Centered Riding", one of only 15 in the United States at this level. She holds an Instructors Certificate from the Cheff Center for the Handicapped in Augusta, Michigan. She has a B.S. in Equine Animal Sciences. Judy has been teaching and training horses professionally since 1973 in the disciplines of dressage and combined training where she and her students compete regularly. She is a Licensed Master Guide for the State of Maine and along with her husband Bob Strehlke, also a Maine Guide, have been running wilderness adventures on horseback since 1980. Bob and Judy are certified by the Horsemanship Safety Association as Trail Guides. Judy has been the Coach of the University of Maine's Equestrian Team since 1996 when she helped the University start a Team.

Judy and Bob have been leading Equine Adventure Programs since 1996. NMRA has worked with mental health organizations throughout Maine including Kid's Peace New England, New Beginnings of Lewiston, Maine, Community Health and Counseling, Care and Development, and Families and Children Together, In addition, Judy works with children in the Foster Care System, teaching Equine Experiential Learning Programs for children with learning challenges. Other programs Judy offers are "Hooked on Horses" a program for adolescent substance abusers and an Equine Integrated Studies Program with fifth graders from MSAD #41 who are identified as non-motivated students from high-risk backgrounds.

Judy is on the staff at the national Horses and Healing conference where she helps other therapeutic riding facilities develop mental health programs. She also presents her unique programs to others in the Equine Facilitated Mental Health field.

The riding instructors almost always get "a foot in the door" with respect to impacting and guiding children who have hidden disabilities that come from abusive and dysfunctional backgrounds. Their role is to teach children how to be around horses safely and to learn how to understand animal behavior, a non-verbal body language not unlike their own, as well as develop actual riding skills. This helps the growth of social skills, improves the ability to follow directions, encourages group interaction, and involves the student in a positive relationship with an animal. True to the Resiliency Model, the instructor is a caring and committed adult who provides the role of mentor

Rehab workers are extremely important to the success of each individual child's program. They help with the actual hands on skills and with the help of the instructor, may be needed to lead the rider until they gain the confidence to ride independently. This sharing of the riding lesson builds a level of trust between the student and the rehab worker that takes much longer in traditional settings. Both student and rehab worker are learning a new skill, which provide common interests and the sharing of both successes and mistakes. In addition, rehab workers are expected to assist with any necessary behavioral controls to ensure group and personal safety.

NMRA has a large group of volunteers that work in the stable and are trained in horsemanship, safety, and to be aware of the issues facing the participants in the animal assisted therapy. Many of these are students at NMRA and belong to our " Peer Helper " program, which involves high school students as teaching assistants in the stable and in the ring.

The role of the Therapist, or Mental Health professional is to facilitate the treatment plan by appropriate intervention as behavioral patterns are manifested throughout the lesson. The goal is not to necessarily to have the lesson run smoothly, but to see each reaction as part of the therapy process and to provide guidance when necessary. The therapist also leads the group processing.

Everyone involved in each program signs on for the entire program in order to make each student feel as safe as possible.

NMRA provides a staff training for all the members of the organization that will be directly involved with program. They will run through an entire day of programming, participating as though they were the student in order to understand the impact horse will have, what their role is during the riding time, and what to expect from the horses.

Prior to starting the program students should visit the stable to meet the staff, the horses, and to learn the safety rules. This helps to answer any questions and reduces some of the fear students may have.

:: Liability Insurance ::

Northern Maine Riding Adventures holds extensive liability insurance through The North American Horseman's Association. This policy covers ALL activities provided by NMRA, either at our main facilities in Dover-Foxcroft, at our wilderness bases in the Katahdin Iron Works area, at Packard's Camps, and at shows. Included are disabled riders, all camp programs, all trail rides and all who participate in lessons.

Because NMRA rides on land owned by private landowners, we provide an "additional insured" rider that covers anyone that gives us permission to use their land.

By the very nature of the horse industry and the risk of horseback riding our own insurance regulations of safety standards are extremely thorough. We must follow the prescribed "risk reduction" policies or we cannot be insured. Safety is our number one priority. All adventure programs are designed for the least experienced rider. We reserve the right to stop any activity that we feel is not safe.

Northern Maine Riding Adventures has been proud to receive a Safety Award for the last six years for running an "injury free" horse program. Safety issues are our biggest concern and all our programs stress safety for the horse as well as the rider.

:: Adventure Based Learning with Horses and the Resiliency Model ::

Adventure Based learning is an experiential model that uses an unknown environment with an unknown activity to build self-awareness and develop life skills. Through this group experience the person learns social skills and working with others, safe risk taking, anger management and responsibility for their own actions. Because this activity takes place in a totally unfamiliar environment, the person has to learn skills that have not been needed in their lives prior to the activity and must learn to develop trust with both their human partner and their horse.

Researchers have found that students make gains in six major categories: Leadership, self-concept, academics, personality, interpersonal, and adventure orientation. The theme underlying the greatest effects related to self-control and especially included independence, confidence, self-understanding, assertiveness, internal locus of control, and decision-making, all critical resiliency traits.

Northern Maine Riding Adventure's Adventure Programs are based on the Outward Bound Model of wilderness, nature, and of course, the Healing Power of Horses. Most of our students in the "Adventure" programs have little or no experience with horses or spending time in nature. They are usually in Crisis Residential treatment centers that have recreational therapy programs or have been in the foster care system many years. Some of our programs are young adults who have been aged out of the foster care system.

The National Center for Student Aspirations have identified eight conditions that make a difference for kids. Northern Maine Riding Adventures programs include the resiliency model and foster these eight conditions.



:: What is Therapeutic Riding? ::

The first centers for therapeutic riding in North America began operation in the 1960s. NARHA, formed in 1969, consisted of four member centers and 60 individual members during its founding year. Today, the number of NARHA-affiliated centers and members has drastically increased to more than 500 centers and 2,500 individual members. There are more than 26,000 riders who take part in NARHA programs with the help of 1,100 instructors, 20,000 volunteers, 600 licensed therapists and 4,000 therapy horses.

Individuals of all ages, with a wide range of physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities benefit from therapeutic horseback riding and other equine activities. The types of disabilities and conditions served include: - Amputations - Autism - Brain Injuries - ardiovascular Accident/Stroke - Cerebral Palsy - Down Syndrome - Emotional Disabilities - Hearing Impairments - Learning Disabilities - Mental Retardation - Multiple Sclerosis - Muscular Dystrophy - Post Polio Speech Impairments - Spina Bifida - Spinal Cord Injuries - Visual Impairments.

Before participating in therapeutic horseback riding activities, individuals need to consult with their physicians. NARHA riding centers require each prospective rider to present a complete medical history and physician's statement signed by their physician prior to a therapeutic riding session.

The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.

For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The sense of independence found on horseback benefits all who ride. The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

:: Medical Benefits ::

Dr. Louis Wagner, Retired, Chest and Vascular Surgeon, Franklin, PA: "A horse's walking action mimics your body action. So, when you put somebody on a horse, in order to keep their balance, they have to move their trunk, arms, shoulders, head and the rest of their body. Only a live creature can make happen what is so beneficial. Nautilus® and other exercise machines work only one group of muscles at a time. They don't require you to respond to them with natural body movements. A horse makes your whole body respond in a smoothly rhythmic, progressive way."

Dr. Walter Bobechko, Director of Humana Advanced Surgical Institute, Orthopedic Center of Dallas, TX: "Therapeutic riding is extremely effective with: - adult stroke patients - adults or children with brain injuries - children with cerebral palsy. "In addition to the physical benefits, therapeutic riding offers psychological benefits because riders feel a sense of achievement and control. Therapeutic riding requires balance and muscular control that often enhances or expedites recovery. The slow, continuous, rhythmic motion of the gait of the horse is therapeutic and helps develop the muscles around the spine."

Dr. Peter Moskovitz, Orthopedic Surgeon, George Washington University Hospital, Washington, D.C.: "Horseback riding is an effective means of therapeutic treatment, especially among patients with neuromuscular-related problems or disabilities."Psychological functions such as improved self-image, perceptions of mastery and improved confidence appear to result from equestrian therapy.

"Young people with cerebrospastic neuromuscular disorders who participate in therapeutic riding show better range of hip and knee motion, improved sitting balance and ambulatory capacities. They have a more positive and cooperative attitude toward their regular physical therapy."

Robert T. Kramer, Chief, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor University Medical Center, Children's Medical Center, Presbyterian Medical Center, Dallas, TX: "Therapeutic riding transcends traditional therapeutic methods and provides people with the joy of participating in a program that offers social, athletic and personal rewards, while providing benefits as well.

The above are excerpts taken directly from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) web site to acquaint our readers with this organization and the good they are doing.

Our thanks goes out to this organization for allowing us to reprint portions of the material found on their site for the benefit of our readers.

For more information on these and other programs offered at Northern Maine Riding Adventures, contact Judy Cross-Strehlke or Bob Flury-Strehlke at:

186 Garland Line Road
Dover-Foxcroft, Maine USA 04426
Tel: (207) 564-3451 Fax: (207)564-9004

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