Our Dementia Support Equine Programs use the healing power of horses to help enrich the quality of life for adults and seniors who have early- to moderate-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss.
BEAMING is the second in the nation to offer Riding in the Moment™ (RIM). Developed in conjunction with UW-Madison, RIM is an evidence-based program that improves the quality of life for seniors living with early- to moderate-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s and other forms of memory loss.
Participants groom, walk and may ride horses, listen to horses’ heartbeats, make and feed horse treats, watch horse demonstrations and have other opportunities to bond with our equine partners. In addition to giving seniors the opportunity to interact with horses, we also provide educational activities, mind-body emotions exercises and hands-on projects, such as planting flowers, making crafts, or creating artwork. BEAMING staff helps assist participants with answers to questions and demonstrate physical exercises to encourage participation.
The RIM program not only improves the quality of life for those living with dementia, it also benefits their caregivers by allowing them to spend quality time in an uplifting outdoor setting with their loved one, allowing them the opportunity to ride horses, and introducing them to a support network of other caregivers going through the same challenges they are.
> WATCH THE RIDING IN THE MOMENT OVERVIEW VIDEO
> WATCH THE RIDING IN THE MOMENT TESTIMONIAL VIDEO
> VIEW OUR RIDING IN THE MOMENT FLYER HERE (PDF)
> WATCH DOROTHY & LINDA’S VIDEO TESTIMONIAL HERE
> WATCH BARB & PETE’S VIDEO TESTIMONIAL HERE
The Riding in the MomentTM program was created by Hearts & Horses, LLC. Hearts & Horses, LLC is not affiliated with nor participates with BEAMING, Inc. and its use of the program.
Supported by:
We also take the horses and these activities to memory care facilities through our “RIM Mobile” program, helping socialize while exercising their minds and bodies. Life enrichment staff have shared with us that our RIM program is something their residents ask about and look forward to, and that the experiences help them with socializing while exercising their minds and bodies. Many residents even share memories that rise to the surface of growing up on farms and with horses.
Supported by:
We welcome community members with early- to moderate-stage dementia and their caregivers to enjoy horse experiences and other interactive activities such as educational presentations, musical performances, arts and crafts projects and other outdoor and barn activities. These hands-on horse experiences offer participants and their families an opportunity to engage in a social gathering and meet others for support. We are offering monthly Memory Cafés in 2024; all sessions are 1.5 hours in length.
> WATCH OUR EQUINE-ASSISTED MEMORY CAFÉ OVERVIEW VIDEO
> VIEW OUR 2024 MEMORY CAFÉS FLYER WITH DATES HERE (PDF)
Supported by:
Steady Strides for Parkinson’s is an equine support program designed to enrich the quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their caregivers. PD is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease; up to 80% of people with PD eventually develop dementia.
Studies have shown that equine-assisted services as a support to traditional PD treatment are effective for improving mobility, cognitive abilities and emotional well-being. The movement of the horse can improve balance, strength, tone, timing, coordination, and postural control, which can all lead to improved functional ability of the person with PD (MI Parkinson Foundation).
This program was developed using similar curriculum to our evidence-based Riding in the Moment Dementia Support Equine Program. Participants groom, walk and ride horses; engage in mind-body emotions exercises; enjoy educational activities, musical performances and guest presentations; and participate in hands-on projects; while caregivers are able to spend quality time with their loved ones while meeting a support network of others going through similar challenges.
Riding in the Moment Overview Video
Memory Cafe Overview Video
Riding in the Moment Testimonial Video
To register for any of our programs, please complete the appropriate Participant Application below:
* NOTE: To be approved for horseback riding, please also have your physician complete our Medical Release Form (PDF)
> PONY POWER ACADEMY PARTICIPANT APPLICATION (Tabbed Word doc)
> PONY POWER ACADEMY PARTICIPANT APPLICATION (PDF)
> RIDING IN THE MOMENT / STEADY STRIDES FOR PARKINSON’S PARTICIPANT APPLICATION * (Tabbed Word doc)
> RIDING IN THE MOMENT / STEADY STRIDES FOR PARKINSON’S PARTICIPANT APPLICATION * (PDF)
> RIDING IN THE MOMENT / STEADY STRIDES FOR PARKINSON’S PARTICIPANT APPLICATION – NONRIDING (Tabbed Word doc)
> RIDING IN THE MOMENT / STEADY STRIDES FOR PARKINSON’S PARTICIPANT APPLICATION – NONRIDING (PDF)
> PARTICIPANT APPLICATION PACKET FOR ALL OTHER PROGRAMS * (Tabbed Word doc)
> PARTICIPANT APPLICATION PACKET FOR ALL OTHER PROGRAMS * (PDF)
After you have completed your application forms, please email them to [email protected] or mail them to us at PO Box 524, Neenah, WI 54957-0524. We cannot accept jpg’s.
All program participants or responsible parties must complete the appropriate Participant Application packet. In order to ride, the participant must submit a Medical Release Form signed by their doctor. If there is a waiting list for the program, the participant’s name will be put on that list as of the doctor’s signature date.
REFUSAL OF SERVICES POLICY
If the participant is currently experiencing any of the following symptoms, BEAMING Inc. may refuse to provide service(s): (i) an active threat to self or others; (ii) in need of inpatient services or intensive outpatient care; (iii) struggling with active self-harm which requires medical attention; or (iv) struggling with violent outbursts or experiencing psychosis.
SESSION CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations may be initiated by BEAMING Inc. due to bad weather or other circumstances. The safety of our participants, volunteers, employees, and horses is our top priority. Cancellations will be posted on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/beaminginc.
ABSENCE POLICY
Please give advance notice if your participant will miss a session for any reason by sending an email to [email protected]. Please include the date and time of the planned absence. Please give as much advance notice as possible so we can arrange for a substitute participant.
If your participant is ill on the day of the session, please text (920) 851-6160.
Participants or their parent(s)/guardian(s) will be invoiced personally for any absence for which there is no prior notification.
