Frequently Asked Questions

Adaptive riding is horseback riding and horsemanship sessions for people who benefit from additional support in order to be able to safely ride. Accommodations can include physical support such as using a ramp to be able to get on the horse and/or additional support for riders who may need someone to walk alongside them. Instructors and horses who are part of the adaptive riding program go through additional training. At Main Stay, instructors are CTRI’s, Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) The horses go through a rigorous training program and trial period to ensure they have the temperament and ability to be part of the team.

The terms adaptive riding and therapeutic riding may be used interchangeably. Programs determine how best to describe their services. At Main Stay, we shifted from therapeutic riding to adaptive riding as lessons are for any individual who may need additional support in order to participate successfully which fits perfectly with the definition of an adaptive sport, an activity that promotes active, healthy lifestyles for people. Adaptive Riding is a broader term and is well known due to its usage with other adaptive sports such as adaptive basketball, skiing and tennis.

Adaptive riding can benefit a wide variety of individuals. Main Stay has served individuals as young as 3 and as old as 93! The animals and the farm create a powerful environment for anyone who wants to continue to grow physically, cognitively and/or emotionally. Riding benefits people in these areas through the movement of the horse, following directions and learning a new skill and interacting with the animals, volunteers and staff. There is a weight limit of 200 pounds for riders. The farm setting is a holistic and safe space and everyone is recognized for what they can do and want to learn! Some of the more common diagnoses of individuals who ride include Down Syndrome, Autism, cerebral palsy and riders with anxiety and/or depression.

Animal Assisted Learning is an evidence-based experiential learning model incorporating hands-on activities that focus on academic, social, emotional and behavioral needs of clients.

A wide variety of people benefit from animal assisted learning. Anyone who seeks connection, self-regulation, recovery from trauma, and improved interpersonal interactions will benefit from facilitated interactions with Main Stay’s animals. Equine and animal assisted learning partners people with horses and farm animals providing a unique and emotionally safe space to explore a wide variety of social/emotional skills including empathy, trust, conflict resolution and engaging in positive relationships. This is an experiential learning model focused on a wide variety of life skills which clients can then apply in their own daily life experience.

Main Stay’s assisted learning sessions are facilitated by trained staff with certifications in education, group facilitation, and industry specific certifications (certified HorseWorks Facilitator, PATH, Intl. CTRI & ESMHL). Equine facilitated psychotherapy is a type of mental health treatment or counseling conducted by a qualified counselor or therapist.

Adaptive Riding is a horseback riding or horsemanship session taught by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). At Main Stay, individual goals are created for each rider with a focus on learning riding skills, improving posture and a goal related to each individual’s needs. These goals are not therapy goals. Services are not currently reimbursable by insurance.

Incorporating horses into a therapy treatment strategy aligns with the therapy being provided. Licensed medical or behavioral health professionals work within their scope of practice in counseling, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy, recreational therapy and speech-language pathology. The therapist determines how equine interactions, movement or aspects of the equine environment may enhance the client’s individualized treatment plan with the goals of improving the client’s sensorimotor, cognitive, behavioral, emotional or psychological function for improved health and wellness.

Most volunteer jobs at the farm do not require extensive animal experience. Horse and/or animal experience is required if you are interested in working as a horse handler during an adaptive riding session or as an assistant during an equine and animal assisted learning session. There are also volunteer opportunities in non-program areas of the farm including helping with the upkeep of the grounds or serving on a committee. A volunteer training session is required for program volunteers. Contact our volunteer coordinator to learn more or set up a time to come for a tour, [email protected]

Main Stay has a variety of large ponies and horses to partner with in adaptive riding and animal assisted learning sessions. In addition, there are smaller farm animals like sheep, goats, rabbits, barn cats and smaller equine (miniature horses, donkey and mule) who partner with clients in unmounted animal assisted learning sessions.

Adaptive riding ponies and horses at Main Stay need to be exceptionally trustworthy, well trained, physically fit and kindhearted in order to enjoy their job. Although an occasional horse may be donated to the program, most horses are purchased due to this high standard of needing to be happy and healthy in the program. Many of the other animals at the farm are considered “rescues” needing a permanent home.

You are welcome to come to the farm for a visit to observe a class and take a brief tour. Some clients benefit from seeing a class “with their own eyes” in order to reduce any fear or help them better understand what happens during a lesson. Please call or email the farm to schedule a time to visit – 815-653-9374 or [email protected]

Main Stay started with a small group of students from the Special Education District of McHenry County (SEDOM) in 1985. The program became a 501(c)(3) in 1987 and added the Equine and Animal Assisted Learning program in 2012. Our founders, Sara Foszcz and Sandy Barcus, knew that partnering horses and people together was a great way to improve a variety of life skills. Initially, the program ran a few days after school and now runs 6 days a week. In 2016, a 37,000 square foot state-of-the-art equestrian facility was added to the property in order to meet the increased demands of the adaptive riding and equine and animal assisted learning programs.

Main Stay is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and receives no state or federal funding. Through the generosity of individuals, private foundations, corporations and service organizations, Main Stay is able to touch hundreds of lives each year. Income from Main Stay’s programs account for less than 20% of the budget. Rider assistance funding is available for those who qualify.