What we do

BEAMING Inc. is a non-profit organization in Neenah, Wisconsin that offers equine-assisted therapeutic riding.

Our unique programming focuses on providing equine experiences for individuals with special needs and community members. BEAMING clients participate in riding and face-to-face interactions with our specially trained horses. Our professional certified instructors are with our riders every stride and work diligently to provide safe and meaningful experiences.

BEAMING was founded in 2004 and is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International.

OUR MISSION

To enhance the quality of life for individuals with special needs and their families through developing relationships between clients and horses in a non-threatening, non-judgmental and nurturing environment.

EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPEUTIC RIDING

Equine therapy, or EAAT (Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy) refers to traditional riding or adaptive riding activities conducted by a PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certified instructor. The participant must continuously contract and relax muscles to re-balance, which ultimately improves core strength, flexibility, and Balance.

For individuals with learning or mental disabilities, therapeutic riding compels them to increase concentration, patience, and discipline. If a psychological or emotional disability is present, the unique relationship formed with a horse can help improve interpersonal relationships as well. Here are some other advantages of equine therapy:

Studies have found that horses mimic the movements of the human gait. As a result, riding a horse can stimulate the muscles a person uses to walk that otherwise would not have been stimulated.

Horses are amazingly intuitive, and able to foster strong emotional ties with people.
Many people with disabilities are not able to sit up straight because of imbalance. Horses are able to tolerate this and alter their gait to balance the participant.
Facing day-to-day life with a disability is difficult for anyone. Having an opportunity to look forward to something that is fun and recreational, while at the same time unwittingly therapeutic, is a very good thing.

1 %

of people would recommend this program to others

RESULTS

Pre and post functional improvement measures are evaluated to assess participant improvements, as well as the completion of satisfaction surveys by parents and caregivers of participants.

Average improvements were calculated in the therapeutic areas as follows:

POSTURE 29%

SENSORY FUNCTION 34%

SELF-CARE SKILLS 44%

SELF-CONFIDENCE/ASSERTIVENESS 53%

COGNITION/LANGUAGE 61%

SOCIAL/LEISURE 71%

WHO WE SERVE

Participants 4 years of age and up; each is facing a unique challenge. From cerebral palsy, autism, or down syndrome to stroke, spinal and head injuries, blindness, hearing impairments, post traumatic stress, mental and emotional behavioral disorders and more. We are humbled to serve our participants who have a wide range of special needs.

COLLABORATIONS

BEAMING Inc. is proud to collaborate with the following organizations. As we continue to grow, we realize how important it is to build deep relationships within our community. Together, with these organizations, we can continue to enrich the lives of so many. We would like to recognize the following organizations for their continued support and look forward to “Changing Lives One Ride At A Time”.