PRECAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS
Strides Therapeutic Horsemanship Center is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Center. At Strides, we abide by the standards by PATH Intl.. The goal of PATH Intl. Centers such as Strides is to provide safe and productive equine-assisted activities and therapies for all participants and to “do no harm.” Please note, the following conditions, if present, may represent precautions or contraindications to equine-assisted activities and therapies. When completing your rider forms, it is important to note whether these conditions are present, and to what degree. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at Hello@StridesTC.org.
Orthopedic
Atlantoaxial Instability
Contractures
Coxarthrosis
Cranial deficits
Heterotopic Ossification / Myositis Ossificans
Joint subluxation and / or dislocation (especially hips)
Internal spinal stabilization devices (such as Harrington Rods)
Kyphosis
Lordosis
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteoporosis
Pathologic Fractures
Scoliosis 30 degrees or greater
Spinal Fusion / Fixation
Spinal Instability / Abnormalities
Spinal Orthoses
NOTE:
Xrays are required for all potential clients with diagnoses of Down's Syndrome or Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis to rule out Atlantoaxial Instability.
Neurological:
Chiari II Malformations
Hydrocephalus / Shunt (please note when shunt was last revised)
Hydromyelia
Neuromuscular Disorders (if pain or fatigue increases with the activity)
Spina Bifida
Spinal Cord Injury (contraindication if injury is above T9)
Tethered Cord
Uncontrolled Seizures
Medical / Surgical:
Allergies to Grasses, Animals and Dust
Cancer
Diabetes
Hemophilia
Hypertension
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Photosensitivity
Poor Endurance
Recent Surgery
Serious Heart Condition
Skin breakdown
Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)
Varicose Veins