The Natural Environment The Blazing Prairie Stars treatment facility in Maple Park, Illinois is located on 16 acres which include a playground, sensory garden, picnic area, treatment gym, therapy rooms, kitchen, an arena and a barn. We provide pediatric speech-language, occupational, physical therapies and social work services to children and their families. In this natural environment, families find that their children are highly motivated and work hard in therapy to acquire functional and meaningful skills that are transferable to their daily lives.
Close to home, but in the country. Blazing Prairie Stars is located about 3 miles west of Elburn and 2 miles east of Maple Park at the southwest corner of Beith and Meredith Roads.
What's in the name? The Blazing Prairie Star is a rare perennial plant found in the prairies of Kane County. This plant is unique because it is differently developing. It blossoms from the top down instead of from the bottom up. Blazing Prairie Stars are unique, rare, special, differently developing, and beautiful as they blossom; hence it is like many of the children that come out to our barn. Some of the types of challenges which can be effectively addressed include:
Why Equine Assisted Therapy?
In Occupational therapy, Physical therapy and Speech and Language therapy the movement of the horse may be incorporated into a treatment session as a treatment strategy. The 3 dimensional movement of the horse is transferred to the patient and provides a combination of sensory, motor and neurological input which becomes a very powerful treatment strategy when incorporated into the treatment process by a uniquely trained therapist. To learn more, read questions and answers
Friendship Connection
Friendship Connection and Teen Connection are engaging group experiences with other peers of the same age and horses. These ground based activities were created by a licensed family and marriage therapist and a horse professional to help youth and teens learn how to establish and maintain positive relationships as well as how to collaborate and problem solve. The groups are designed to build communication skills and to help youth or teens have a greater self awareness and social understanding. The horses and herd dynamics assist in the exciting learning process. All groups are lead by a licensed family and marriage therapist and a certified horse professional. Photos..., Watch the video...
Individual and/or Family Mental Wellness Sessions
All sessions are lead by a licensed family and marriage therapist and a certified horse professional.
Other Programs at the Blazing Prairie Stars Barn
Hippotherapy versus Therapeutic Riding
"The therapeutic benefits of riding were recognized as early as 400 BC, but the general acceptance of riding as therapy is relatively recent. In 1952, Liz Hartel of Denmark won the silver medal for Grand Prix Dressage at the Helsinki Olympics - an achievement from the wheelchair by riding. This event is generally recognized as the catalyst for the formation of therapeutic riding centers. ...By its very nature, riding influences the whole person. The unique combination of horse, the horse's movement and the non-clinical environment produces an extraordinary effect on all the systems of the body."
"The Healing Horse" by Kate Hester, Natural Horse, Vol 3, Issue 6
