Come ride with us at Seaton Hackney Stables!

We work with riders of all abilities and have all types of horses to accommodate our riders’ needs. Our program offers individuals of all abilities to participate in mounted and unmounted therapeutic lessons.                              Our team of instructors and volunteers can’t wait to meet you! If you would like more                     information about our therapeutic program or have any questions, please feel .

Please feel free to call (973-644-3355) or email (seatonh@verizon.net) our office for more information  about our brand new program!

Safe, Progressive Learning

Here at Seaton Hackney Stables we believe that success comes from consistent learning that works toward a specific, achievable goal.  We work to build on what we teach in each lesson to safely progress riders in their horsemanship knowledge, physical strength, and communication skills. Please feel free to reach out                              by phone or email if you have any questions or if you think that therapeutic riding is           right for you or your loved one!

Seaton Hackney Stables reserves the right to decide if we are unable to serve an applicant due to unavailable resource(s) and/or safety concerns including PATH Intl. guidelines relating to contraindications for participation. 

Participation Criteria 

Mounted Programs: 

• Physically able to sit symmetrically with torso upright and legs astride the horse during dynamic movement
• Physically able to maintain head and neck position independently in proper alignment with dynamic movement
• Weigh less than 225 pounds
• Able to tolerate a riding safety helmet
• Able to accommodate the movement of the horse without pain
• Adequate range of motion in hip(s) to sit astride

All Programs: 

• Does not exhibit physical or behavioral conditions that are contraindicated by PATH Intl. 
• Have current signed and dated paperwork – including Registration and Release Form, Medical History Form, and Annual Update Form
• Benefit physically, emotionally, socially and/or cognitively from services provided at Seaton Hackney Stables.
• Complete an intake assessment where trained staff evaluate eligibility
• Safety awareness around animals
• Ability to express pain or discomfort
• Behave in a manner that is safe for self, horses and others

Age and Weight Requirements:

Minimum age for participants is 4 years old, there is no maximum age limit. Participants involved in mounted activities may not exceed 225 lbs. due to the weight limits of the current horse herd.

SEATON HACKNEY instructors/staff will make final determination for participation based on the intake evaluation and on available resources such as: instructor availability, volunteer availability, and horse suitability.

If an individual is discharged from participation, SEATON HACKNEY will provide a reason for discharge. Reasons for discharge might include, but are not limited to the following:

1)  Participant’s mobility or weight prevents center personnel from serving client safely.

2)  Participant’s status or behavior becomes a threat to the safety of self, horses or others.

3)  Center does not have a suitable horse or pony for participant.

4)  Center personnel cannot safely manage the participant in any situation including an emergency dismount 

Alternatives to mounted lessons may be offered to individuals who may not be best served by therapeutic riding. These might include participating in ground lessons and barn activities. Seaton Hackney reserves the right to discontinue an individual’s participation in any program should it be deemed to be in the best interest of either the participant or Seaton Hackney.

Seaton Hackney Policies

Lesson Description: All equine-assisted services are planned for safety and therapeutic benefit with the individual’s educational, physical, social, emotional and/or recreational goals in mind. Participants with similar goals may be grouped together. Lessons may include warm-up exercises, skill development, activities or games to reinforce goals, and trail rides. 

PARENTS MUST STAY ON PROPERTY DURING LESSONS

Equine assisted services are contraindicated:

1)  If staff/volunteers are unable to safely manage the participant in any situation, including an emergency dismount.

2)  If staff/volunteers cannot manage participant behaviors (including any extreme behaviors) with verbal prompts.

3)  If safety, comfort or well-being of staff, volunteers or the horse is compromised in any way for any reason.

4)  If medically inappropriate based on PATH Intl. guidelines, precautions, contraindications.