Programs & Services | Applying for a Program

Programs & Services

NCEFT utilizes the movement of highly-trained horses to provide beneficial physical and occupational therapy and equine assisted activities for individuals with special needs.  NCEFT provides these programs year-round to children and adults. View NCEFT's Calendar (click here).

Hippotherapy:  A body of research undertaken in the past decade indicates that hippotherapy is a valuable treatment strategy in the field of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.  Children from 2 years of age to adulthood with neuromuscular disorders and other disabilities gain positive outcomes in a natural environment. 

Therapists attend continuing education courses designed and offered by the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.

Interactive Vaulting Program:  Individuals with special needs are provided with a recreational, peer interaction sport activity in a group setting with horses.  Our Interactive Vaulting Team includes a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Certified Instructor and a specially trained vaulting horse.

Theraputic Riding Program:  The unique relationship formed between the participant and the horse leads to increased confidence and self-esteem for individuals with social, emotional and learning challenges.  According to individual needs and abilities, clients participate in small groups or individual lessons supervised by certified therapeutic riding instructors.

Veterans Program at NCEFT:  NCEFT offers supplemental rehabilitation services to active duty personnel and veterans currently being served by the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS), Polytrauma Transitional Rehab Program. VAHAPCS Polytrauma Center is one of only four such systems of care in the United States and the only center on the west coast. This program is completely funded by donations — no cost to the participants or the federal government.

Therapy Center (indoor clinic):  Physical therapy and occupational therapy treatment is offered for individuals with neuromuscular disorders, sensory integration dysfunctions and development delays.

• San Mateo County Office of Education (special needs students)
• Sutter VNA and Hospice Bereavement Program for Children
• San Mateo County DIS Services WorkAbility Program
• Abilties United (formerly, Community Rehabilitation Association)
• ‘Achieve with Kids’ of Palo Alto (self-reliance, mental health and education).

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Applying for a Program

Please contact NCEFT at 650-851-2271 for a phone screening with a qualified therapist. View NCEFT'S Patient Confidentiality Statement (click here).

If it is determined that you (or your child) is an appropriate candidate for evaluation, we will forward an information packet for completion and return to NCEFT.  Upon receipt of your completed information packet, NCEFT will schedule an evaluation for you (or your child).   As part of this process, you will be required to obtain the appropriate referral and prescription forms from a licensed physician. When the evaluation has been completed, the participant will either be:

• accepted into the Hippotherapy Program
• accepted to an Equine Assisted Activities Program or
• referred to another program or resource if it is determined that the NCEFT programs are not appropriate.

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