Eligibility: Any person diagnosed with an emotional, physical, cognitive disability from age 2 years and up is eligible to apply for enrollment into one of Equest’s programs. There are additional requirements that students must first meet before we can enroll them in our program.

The first step is to contact the Program Director at the Equest office (207-985-0374 or sgrant@equestmaine.org) to discuss space availability within one of Equest’s semesters. We do maintain a waiting list and move people off the waiting list readily. Once an open spot is determined, the student, student’s parent(s), or legal guardian must fill out copies of all the Equest enrollment forms. No student may begin sessions with Equest until all forms are received. The enrollment forms can be found on line or may be obtained through the mail following an initial conversation with the Program Director.

The student and his/her parent(s) or caregiver must attend a preliminary evaluation and intake meeting with Equest’s Program Director, Susan Grant, a Licensed Occupational Therapist. This intake and evaluation process is in place to help Equest establish the best treatment plan possible for each individual student. It is also at this time that precautions and contraindications to riding for particular disabilities are reviewed and discussed on an individual basis.

For the health of our horses and the safety of our riders and sidewalkers, we generally do not accommodate riders in excess of 180 lbs. Alternative means of interaction with horses will be recommended for individuals who would still like to participate in an equine-facilitated activity. Other programs offered by Equest for participants who exceed Equest’s weight limit are Therapeutic Grooming and Therapeutic Carriage Driving.

Students with specific treatment plans that include specialized emergency procedures, medical prescriptions, or actions to be taken around behavioral issues must have a parent or caregiver accompany them to each session with Equest.

Equest currently accepts students starting at age 2. Students younger than 2 years may be accepted depending upon the findings of the initial intake with Equest’s Program Director, and at Equest’s discretion. Generally speaking, children with disabilities between the ages of 2 - 5 and adults with acute or sub-acute disability-related issues are typically enrolled in Equest’s hippotherapy program. Older riders able to are typically enrolled in Therapeutic Riding, Carriage Driving or Grooming.

Although Equest utilizes many different staff, volunteers and horses, some students are difficult to provide for because of a physical, mental or behavioral challenge that scares or threatens those around them, most especially the horses. Equest staff will attempt to create the best student, horse, staff and volunteer combinations possible. Equest reserves the right to deny or remove a student from a therapy session if their actions jeopardize the safety of the horses, staff, or him/herself.