Therapy work

[susana]

I'm fairly new to the mini horse world...Flash is now 1yr old. I was wondering if anyone could give me any info on organizations in Ontario that certify therapy animals other than dogs. I have done volunteer therapy work through the St.John Ambulance dog program years ago and would like to do something simialar with my little gelding. Any ideas?

 

[mdegner]

I would start with a google or other internet search. We have club member who lives in SE Wisconsin who does a lot of therapy work with her minis and I will contact her to see if she is aware of organizations in your area. Where in Ontario are you? It's a pretty big province, so a general note of where you are would be helpful.

 

[mdegner]

Here is some information from my friend who does this. I am sure she would be willing to talk to you if you want. Just PM me if so.....Good luck!

I am certified

through Delta. If you google Delta Society, you will find their home page.

Their main office is located in Washington State, but they have affiliates

all over the place. They have tons of information about how to get started

and what to do. They also offer a home study course if someone is unable to

take the actual class. I already had a certified therapy dog with another

group when I took the 2-day Delta class. I have to say I learned a lot in

the class. Being able to talk with the instructors about the material in

the manual was very helpful. Once the class is completed one needs to take

the test with the pet. Those evaluation dates are arranged with the people

doing the evaluating. I had three of my minis and my dog all evaluated on

the same day. They all passed! The certification is good for two years and

then we have to go through an evaluation all over again.

 

[susana]

Thanks for the info, I will check out their website...hopefully there is a location near Toronto.

 

[MiniTherapy]

I am also working towards training my mini's for therapy work. I've been in touch with Delta and they seem to be a good organization. My only problem is there no mini trainers or certified members of Delta anywhere near me in Charlottesville, VA. They're all dog people. There are some evaluators about 1 1/2 hours from me that normally certify dogs but will come when it's time to go thru the evaluation and test my mini's. Obviously, they're no help for training advice.

Does anyone know of any therapy groups/organizations/active mini thereapy participants in the central Virginia: Charlottesville/Waynesboro/Lynchburg/Richmond area??

Thanks for your help!

Hug your mini's!!