Getting to Know Walk On

“

The name behind Walk On Farm was named after the command, "Walk On". This term is used by the participant to have the horse move forward in a therapeutic riding lesson.

- Marion L. May

”

Our story

It all started in 2006.

Walk On began as a dream. In 2006, that dream started to become a reality. There were six women, all of whom had a passion for equine assisted services, whose dedication brought Walk On to life. The first participants began riding at Walk On in 2007, and since then we have had hundreds of different people come through our doors to experience the magic that horses provide. Over the years, our wonderful neighbors in Barrington and the surrounding communities have supported our program with both volunteers and financial support. Because of this community support, Walk On has grown and flourished over the years.

The mission

Walk On’s mission is to provide equine assisted activities to people with physical, cognitive, social and emotional disabilities. Equine Assisted activities provide motivational, educational, and recreational benefits that enhance the quality of life through interaction with the horse. The goal of Walk On is to partner with the horse to inspire the participants to reach their highest potential.

Meet the team

Our Horses

Little

Taco

Rocky

Star

Kachi

Charlie

Armani

Wilbur

Lago

Wilson

Our Staff

Kelsey

Instructor

Mary

Program Director & President

Mary Rachel

Executive Director

Lisa

Office Assistant

Christine Bania

Barn Assistant

Ramon Huerta

Barn Assistant

Malinda Patterson

Instructor

Board Members

Mary Illing, President/Program Director
Debbie Krukowski, Secretary
Jan Nestrud
Maureen Prettyman
Nancy Schmid
Allison R. Greene, Chair
Nancy Bellis
Julie Bicknase
Sarah Kovach
Bill Kratovhil
Carolyn Springer
Pat Yun

FAQs

Answers to some of your questions

Yes, Walk On utilizes several important safety practices:

• Each horse is screened to ensure the appropriateness of both the quality of movement and a good working temperament.

• Walk On enforces a number of policies including limiting horse work hours and limiting the amount of weight they carry.

• Instructors are PATH Int’l (Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship International) certified and adhere to the guidelines set by PATH.

• When working with the horse, all participants wear safety helmets.

• All participants are evaluated by a licensed Occupational Therapist prior to starting lessons, and the lesson plans are written specifically for each participant. Every rider has different protocol, which could be anywhere from completely independent riding to riding with a horse leader multiple side walkers.

• Walk On is a PATH member center and follows their policies, including the mandatory use of ASTM-SEI approved helmets when on or near horses.

• Walk On encourages all participants to purchase their own helmets, for obvious health and safety purposes. Consult with the instructor regarding appropriate and approved safety helmets available.

Individuals with physical, neurological, behavioral, and emotional issues related to Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Coordination Disorder, Developmental Disability, Dyspraxia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Sensory Integration Disorder, autism and many others.

While riding a horse, riders are given the opportunity to feel freedom and power through movement. As the horse walks, the movement is transferred to the rider, providing a combination of sensory, motor, and neurological stimulation. This translates to stronger muscles, better balance and coordination, and improved gait. Just as important as the physical benefits, greater self-confidence and self-esteem can be achieved through the freedom of movement.

Walk On accepts children, adolescents and adults. All participants are evaluated prior to acceptance in the program. Children as young as three years and adults into their senior years have all participated. The program is designed to meet the specific needs of the participant.

To protect our therapy horses, Walk On has a policy that limits the weight carried in a session. Each participant whose weight exceeds 175 pounds will be considered individually and evaluated to determine eligibility. This weight includes the rider as well as the weight of the saddle and tack.

Get involved

Discover the different ways you can help support our cause.

How to help