40 Centers Proved Their Mettle by Qualifying as NARHA Premier Accredited Centers

Denver, CO—Seven centers offering equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) earned NARHA’s highest level of accomplishment for the first time and became NARHA Premier Accredited Centers during 2009. In addition, 216 Premier Accredited Centers renewed their Premier Accredited Center status during the year.

To become a NARHA Premier Accredited Center, a member organization must successfully pass an on-site evaluation by a trained NARHA site visitor. Centers’ evaluations cover a wide range of areas such as horse management, safety equipment, quality of instruction, facility operations, volunteerism and administrative practices. These standards were developed and field-tested by the NARHA membership to assure that centers follow procedures that are basic to quality EAAT. NARHA accreditation helps assist the public in selecting quality centers that provide safe EAAT for individuals with special needs.  NARHA requires that Premier Accredited Centers are re-visited every five years.
 
By renewing Premier Accredited Center status through NARHA, centers demonstrate that they continue to comply with and exceed the national standards for the EAAT industry.
 
“By maintaining the NARHA Premier Accredited Center status, NARHA centers demonstrate their ongoing commitment to the highest standards when introducing individuals with special needs to a variety of equine activities,” said NARHA Marketing Director, Kaye Marks. “NARHA Accreditation is a respected benchmark within the EAAT industry. It demonstrates leadership and  a commitment to safety and the highest professional standards.”
 
The following is a list of the equestrian centers that achieved or renewed NARHA Premier  Accredited Center status during 2009.
Alabama
Talladega, AL: Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Foundation, original accreditation 9/1/1991
 
Arkansas
Sherwood, AR: Hearts & Hooves, Inc., original accreditation 6/7/2004
 
California
Sacramento, CA: UCP of Greater Sacramento Saddle Pals, original accreditation 6/15/1994
Yreka, CA: HEALTHERAPY, Inc. - Equine Facilitated Services, original accreditation 9/29/2004
 
Colorado
Steamboat Springs, CO: Humble Ranch Education and Therapy Center, original accreditation 7/21/2004
 
Connecticut
Columbia, CT: Camp Care Riding Program, original accreditation 12/1/2009
 
Florida
Fort Meyers, FL: Special Equestrians, Inc., original accreditation 12/15/1990
Loxahatchee, FL: Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, original accreditation 7/24/1989
Tampa, FL: Traverse, Inc., original accreditation 4/15/2002
 
Hawaii
Waimanalo, HI: Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii, original accreditation 8/29/2009
 
Illinois
Newark, IL: Equine Dreams, original accreditation 10/22/2009
Poplar Grove, IL: Bergmann Centre, original accreditation 1/28/1990
 
Indiana
South Bend, IN: Reins of Life, Inc., original accreditation 1/28/1990
 
Massachusetts
Belchertown, MA: Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding Association, original accreditation 7/24/1989
Tewksbury, MA: Tewksbury Hospital Equestrian Farm, original accreditation 5/8/2004
 
Maryland
Annapolis, MD: Maryland Therapeutic Riding, Inc., original accreditation 1/1/2000
Barnesville, MD: Circle of Hope Therapeutic Riding, Inc., original accreditation 11/30/1998
 
Michigan