Welcome to Refuge Services
Refuge Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is community sponsored to provide services for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Refuge Services provides equine-assisted therapies to individuals of all ages. Refuge Services, Inc. offers hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to children, adolescents, and adults in Lubbock and area communities in an accepting, supportive and Christian environment.
Nationwide, equine-assisted therapies continue to gain popularity as a legitimate form of treating many issues from disabilities to mental health and behavioral diagnoses. Refuge Services provides a therapeutic setting for physical, occupational, speech-language, or licensed mental health professionals to incorporate horses into their treatment plan. During the hour-long sessions the therapist concentrates on improving the clients physical, sensory, emotional, cognitive, and/or psychological deficiencies as diagnosed by a medical doctor. Communication, trust, and bonding between the client and the horse provide a unique opportunity for increased productivity that has not been previously experienced in a traditional therapy session. The counselors and therapists are able to transfer the relationship between the horse and individual to the implementation of therapeutic goals and objectives, capitalizing on the increased self-esteem, body awareness, stimulated senses and overall positive receptiveness of the individual.
Refuge Services, Inc. was established in Lubbock in September 1999. Since the birth of Refuge Services, over 10,000 clients have participated in our Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which is an intensive therapy service incorporating horses into the therapy process. Our support is world-wide, as the founders are leaders in the world in EAP and train others to do such services internationally.
In October 2006, Refuge Services purchased a 40-acre horse facility and expanded equine services to include hippotherapy and therapeutic riding. Refuge Services currently is serving approximately 160 clients per week. This expansion continues to open doors for much more growth and counseling opportunities.
Refuge Services is committed to serving the therapeutic needs of children and adults by providing Therapeutic Riding, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy and Counseling.
The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as the types of disabilities and conditions served. "Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding experience physical, emotional, and mental rewards. "Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength. "For individuals with mental or emotional handicaps, the unique relationship with the horse can lead to patience, confidence, and self esteem."
Sponsorship Details
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Save the Date!
Boots and Buckles 2024 will be held on April 13th, 2024 at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion at Texas Tech University!
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EAP Testimonials:
"The horses have shown me that there is such a thing as unconditional forgiveness, there is such a thing as unconditional love, and that the capability exists to love without reservation or judgment. No matter what I may have done to the horse the day before (i.e. forcing him to do something that he didn't want to do, making him work extra hard, etc.), I could come out to the pen the next day and that same horse nuzzled up to me again. EAP itself brought many truths to light for me. They were always present in the horses; I just didn't see them until EAP brought them out ."
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Hippotherapy Testimonials:
"It doesn't matter how bad a day I have had, once I get up on the back of my horse all my worries go away. I now know why you guys named this place Refuge. I have no sadness or worries when I am here. "
- Client with Spinal Bifida, age 14
"Thank you so much for everything that you have helped me on; you are very special to me. There was a dream that I had for a long time and it was to be able to ride a horse. You guys have made a difference in my life."
-Therapeutic Riding Client, age 36
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