NCEFT utilizes the movement of highly-trained horses to provide beneficial physical and occupational therapy and equine assisted activities for individuals with special needs in a natural environment. NCEFT provides these programs year-round to children and adults.

Description:
NCEFT provides Hippotherapy, Interactive Vaulting and Therapeutic Riding programs. NCEFT also offers supplemental rehabilitation services to active duty personnel and veterans currently being serviced by Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS).

Volunteers are trained and utilized by NCEFT to serve in ancillary positions and as side walkers, assisting with therapy in the arena. In addition to the financial support of individual donors, corporations and foundations, the skills and time donated by our volunteers help make this program possible.

History:
NCEFT provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, Hippotherapy (treatment performed by Licensed PT, OT), Interactive Vaulting, and Therapeutic Riding for children and adults with special needs. It was founded 37 years ago in Woodside, California and has been providing equine assisted therapy programs ever since.

These programs provide a continuum of care to the patients/riders as therapy goals are reached and new challenges identified.

The Hippotherapy Program is a valuable treatment strategy in the field of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Children from two years of age to adulthood with neuromuscular disorders and other disabilities gain positive outcomes.

The movements of highly trained therapy horses are transmitted to the child’s body in such a way that the pelvis is moved in the same pattern required for walking. The body is assisted in developing functional balance, strength, and equilibrium. Further, hippotherapy affects the sensory, cognitive and psychological components of the patient in a positive manner.

Hippotherapy sessions are conducted by licensed and registered physical or occupational therapists who attend continuing education courses designed and offered by the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.

Children who require a higher level of challenge than hippotherapy may enter the NCEFT Interactive Vaulting Program, where individuals with special needs are provided with a recreational, peer interaction sport activity, in a group setting with horses. Our Interactive Vaulting Team includes a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Certified Instructor and specially trained vaulting horses.

The Therapeutic Riding Program is for individuals with social, emotional and learning challenges. The unique relationship that forms between the participant and the horse leads to increased confidence and self-esteem. According to individual needs and abilities, clients participate in small groups or individual lessons supervised by certified therapeutic riding instructors.

Contact people:

Mary Goulart, Volunteer & Client Liaison, (phone), (email) Rita Almon, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Gari Merendino, Operations Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (650) 851-2271
Office fax number: (650) 851-3480

Address:

880 Runnymede Road Woodside, CA 94062 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.nceft.org

Directions:

--DIRECTIONS FROM THE SOUTH-- Take I-280 North to Woodside Road (HWY 84) exit. Turn left onto Woodside Rd. Follow Woodside Rd. for approximately 1 mile. Turn right at the stop sign onto Canada Rd. Follow Canada Rd. for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Runnymede Rd. (just before you reach I-280 overcrossing). Follow Runnymede Rd. approximately 0.5 miles. NCEFT is located on the left side at 880 Runnymede Rd. --DIRECTIONS FROM THE NORTH-- Take I-280 South to the Edgewood Rd. exit. Turn right onto Edgewood Rd. Follow Edgewood Rd. for approximately 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Canada Rd. Follow Canada Rd. for approximately 2.2 miles. Pass under I-280 Immediately turn right onto Runnymede Rd. Follow Runnymede Rd. approximately 0.5 miles. NCEFT is located on the left side at 880 Runnymede Rd.

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	American Sign Language
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	16
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes

Overall Experience   
It is a fulfilling experience

NCEFT offers hippotherapy for children from 2years of age to adult wit neuromuscular disorders. It makes me aware of my freedom of movement and how I take things for granted. posted on November 24, 2008