As part of the equine therapy curriculum, participants complete service learning projects such as painting jumps, stacking hay, and so forth as a way of giving back to the ranch. There are also regularly scheduled work days which include trail maintenance work with Joder community members. Equi-Rhythm participants, including youth who have court-ordered community service hours, are eligible to participate.
Throughout the summer, week-long horse camps are offered for youth (at-risk as well as not-at-risk populations) by Rocky Mountain Equi-Rhythm for children in Boulder County and the surrounding communities. The Summer Horse Camp’s main goal is to begin to build a solid foundation with children so they begin to become good equestrians, which includes helping the children build a safe and positive relationship with their horses and have fun at the same time. Because the child’s safety comes first, and horses can be intimidating, Rocky Mountain Equi-Rhythm works with the children at their level and helps them to advance with each activity to a level where they are comfortable. Each camp week ends with a trail ride around Joder mountain. Scholarships are made available as needed through the Rocky Mountain Equi-Rhythm Bokamir Scholarship and Education Fund and the James Dooley Foundation.
Summer Horse Camp Forms
Program Information.pdf
Balancing Hearts.pdf
Registration Form.pdf
Application for Scholarship.pdf
Registration Information.pdf
Riding Agreement.pdf
Rocky Mountain Equi-Rhythm is committed to synergistic partnerships with many others:
Individual and Group Equine Therapy Sessions
The goal of this treatment modality is to create an interaction that allows an opportunity for individuals to receive immediate feedback from the horse (which is based on the individual’s behavior). It also provides an opportunity for the therapist to use metaphors that may parallel what is going on in that individual’s life as the vehicle for change. It also allows individuals to touch nature by the very setting that working with horses involves. While this treatment modality does not focus on riding, individuals learn the equestrian art, which does include becoming skilled in horsemanship and riding skills. Rocky Mountain Equi-Rhythm uses a holistic mind-body-spirit approach.
The Compass House, a non-profit, outpatient program for teens and families, offers an Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Treatment and Prevention Program (IOP), in which equine therapy is one of the seven forms of group therapy. The teens visit Equi-Rhythm facilities once a week for equine-facilitated therapy, where they learn basic horse skills and self-awareness through building relationships with each other and the horses. IOP group members and individuals alike are empowered to find their own coping mechanisms and self-healing skills. Equi-Rhythm staff Jennifer, Caroline, and Jody, along with the many Equi-Rhythm supporters and volunteers, offer the community of Boulder a unique opportunity for healing, deep soul work, and nature. Clients’ needs range from substance-use treatment and prevention to depression and everyday coping skills.
Each November for the past three years, Naropa University Wilderness Therapy Master’s students have attended a week-long equine therapy field experience at Joder Arabian Ranch coordinated and facilitated by Rocky Mountain Equi-Rhythm (specifically Caroline Roy and Janet Quinn). A variety of activities allow the students to experience equine therapy in three separate roles: as participants in their own group and individual process, as therapists using equine therapy as a modality, and as beginner or seasoned equestrians working with the horse from a new perspective. The majority of these students have little or no horse experience. The students’ intent for the week is to become aware of the internal journey that horses can guide them towards if they are open to embarking on the journey. Examples of guest lectures, which include a hands-on experiential session, are:
The week usually ends with the Equi-Rhythm horses providing a trail ride around Joder mountain and a closing ceremony on the back section of the mountain.