CHUM

Children and Horses United in Movement or C.H.U. M. Therapeutic Riding Inc. brings to the mid-Michigan area both the old and the new. A new program with old friends. Our name was designed to honor a faithful equine friend who has been in service to therapeutic riding since 1980. Chum, Bonnie DePue’s friend and companion for nearly 30 years has introduced many a child and adult to the world of horses and the gifts these magnificent animals offer.

We offer a multifaceted program at C.H.U.M. Beyond the arena of therapeutic riding and hippotherapy, we offer the opportunity to participate in horse shows at multiple levels. C.H.U.M. sponsors an integrated 4H club where non-horse owning members use program horses to participate in 4H at both the local and state level. C.H.U.M. also assists clients in participating in dressage shows, clinics, educational events, and research both here and in other facilities. C.H.U.M. clients have participated in various community events with and without their horses.

C.H.U.M. Therapeutic Riding Inc. offers the opportunity to share the world of horses with individuals with and without disabilities of all ages. We are a NARHA premier accredited center and our services are founded on their standards and guidelines.

Therapeutic and recreational
Riding lessons on specially trained horses
Holiday and summer horse camps
Riding and training clinics
T.T.E.A.M. Training clinics
4-H club activities
Horse shows and special events

What is ‘Hippotherapy’?
The Greek work ‘hippos’ means horse. Hippotherapy is using the horse as a tool to achieve therapy goals as designed by a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech and language pathologist to meet the individuals goals. Emphasis is on achieving therapy goals, not on teaching riding skills. Special equipment and various developmental positions may be used to help the client reach these therapy goals.

Why is Hippotherapy beneficial?
The three dimensional gait of the horse, which closely simulates the movement of the human pelvis while walking, is unique and valuable as a treatment tool. It provides a ever- changing/ challenging, dynamic surface to facilitate movement. It challenges the body in all planes of movement requiring an adaptive response from the over all system. The movement provides a systems wide impact that reaches physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial areas of performance. The unique sensory rich environment allows for increased sensory input for individuals whose delayed systems may not be receiving enough input for daily function. The warmth and gentle rhythm of the horse united with the natural human/ animal bond that draws us to animals is another unique and valuable characteristic of the horse as a treatment tool.

Who can benefit from Hippotherapy?
Clients with various impairments such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Developmental Delay, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Arthritis, Scoliosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, etc. may benefit from Hippotherapy.
Client ages vary from very young clients to senior citizens. All precautions and contra- indications as prescribed by our national governing body, North American Riding for the Handicapped and the American Hippotherapy Association, apply to our program’s services. AHA is an excellent resource for obtaining information regarding Hippotherapy and can be reached at 1-800-369-7433.