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STUDENT ANNOUNCEMENT
WATCH FOR CLOSINGS ON WEATHER STATIONS SMILES WEATHER CLOSINGS are announced on the following stations. WLKG 96.1 WSLD 104.5 Lite f.m. WSJY 107.3 WFAW a.m.940 Kool f.m.106.5 Lite f.m.107.3 Channel 23 - Rockford Channel 6 - Fox

To be a student at SMILES can mean something different for each individual. To participate we must always start the process with activities and paperwork that ensures we understand the needs of each student.

Due to the large number of requests, it is very important that we receive your student forms and fees as soon as you have decided to participate in SMILES. New forms are required annually.

SMILES riders range in age from three to adulthood. Any interested individual with physical, cognitive, social and/or emotional disabilities is eligible. Parental and physician approval is required for participation.

A few of the benefits equine assisted therapy provides include:

Improved posture and balance
Increased strength
Normalized muscle tone
Increased flexibility
Improved eye-hand coordination
Improved endurance
The pride of learning a new skill
Independence, self-esteem and self-awareness
Greater self-control
Social interaction and cooperation
Improved attention span and listening skills
The chance to make new friends, both human and animal

Therapeutic riding uses equine-oriented activities to help the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well being of people with disabilities.

Costs:

Please call for cost of sessions.

All fees or arrangements for payment must be made prior to the beginning of the session. Payment for the full session is required.

It is SMILES' goal as well as that of the Scholarship Committee, that no one ever be turned away due to financial difficulties. We will make every effort to work with you to obtain the assistance required for you to participate in the SMILES program. If you would like a Financial Assistance Application, please call the office and one will be sent to you.

Although the expense of horse maintenance, insurance, etc. has increased, we have worked hard to maintain our cost structure. Our student fees represent only a small portion of what it actually costs to provide each student with the benefits of therapeutic riding. The rest of the money is raised by our diligent fund-raising efforts. These fund-raisers require a tremendous amount of man-power in many different areas. SMILES is always looking for volunteers interested in assisting our program by joining one of the committees working to keep SMILES' fees down. If you would like to inquire about how you could help, please contact the office.

Pre-Class Evaluation:

All students new to SMILES are to make an appointment with the office for a Pre-Evaluation. This evaluation is required to insure the proper horse and volunteer support for each rider. The Pre-Class Evaluation appointment will give the student time to visit the barn and the horses prior to their participation so that actual class time will not have to be used making this evaluation.

Call for current pricing.

Hippotherapy:

Hippotherapy is also available at SMILES. Hippotherapy is a prescribed medical treatment performed by licensed therapists in which the horse is a partner in a comprehensive therapy program. The therapist along with the horse and other treatment tools work toward the achievement of individualized functional goals relevant to the client's/student's daily life activities. For further information call the SMILES office.

Contact SMILES:

If you have additional questions please call (262) 882-3470 and ask for the Program Director or e-mail us at classes@smiles.nu.

Registration Forms:

We've made registration forms available online in our File / Form Downloads area.

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