Therapeutic Riding Communication Boards
Therapeutic Riding Boards give every rider a voice—enhancing safety, independence, and inclusion while making every ride more connected, confident and engaging.
Our therapeutic riding boards are designed for PATH Intl. certified centers, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs) and equine-assisted therapy volunteers looking to bridge the communication gap and increase connections through AAC specific for therapeutic riding.
5 Important Tips for Supporting AAC Users : How to Empower Communication
When it comes to supporting individuals who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or friend, understanding how to create an inclusive and supportive environment can make a world of difference for AAC users of all ages.In this post, we’ll share five practical tips for supporting AAC users, along with helpful resources to deepen your understanding and boost your confidence.
Embrace Consistent Modeling
Modeling AAC use is one of the most powerful ways to encourage communication. Whether the AAC system is a high-tech device or a low-tech communication board, modeling involves demonstrating how to use the system in everyday interactions. When you point to symbols, use the device to form sentences, or incorporate it into routines, you show the AAC user that this is a valid and valuable method of communication.
Tips for Consistent Modeling:
- Use the AAC system naturally throughout the day, not just during structured “therapy” time.
- Model mistakes and repairs—this shows that communication doesn’t need to be perfect.
- Involve siblings, peers, and other family members in modeling to reinforce AAC use.
Enhance Rider Communicaiton
- Supports nonverbal, minimally verbal, and emerging communicators
- Encourages spontaneous communication
- Provides riders the opportunity to more actively particpate in lessons by making requests, answering question or initiating interaction using therapeutic riding boards
Improves Rider Safety
- Features core vocabulary words used across environments and activities.
- Standard vocabluary layout is 100% customizable to meet your Equine-Assisted Therapyl needs.
- Enables riders to communicate discomfort, confusion or safety concerns quickly and effectively. For example a rider can use the “Stop,” “Help,” or “Hurt” icons if they feel a lapse in balance or if the cinch is too tight.
- In a high-sensory environment like a stable, verbal speech can often “lock up” due to anxiety or sensory overload. A visual board provides a reliable safety valve.
Assists Volunteers and Staff
- Encourages caregivers, teachers, and therapists to model vocabulary naturally
- Promotes collaboration and carryover across home and school
- Therapeutic riding boards are always ready – no charging needed
Facilitates Social Interaction and Inclusion
- Enables riders to greet others, ask questions or comment on their experience, promoting social development.
- Provides a voice for all riders, regardless of speech ability, fostering a more inclusive and respectful environment.
Aluminum Composite Communication Boards
$550 - $675
- Our Therapeutic Riding Boards are available in 3 sizes : 2’x3′, 4’x3′ and 3’x2′
- All communication boards are 100% customizable to meet your needs
- All of our communication boards are availalbe with Boardmaker or SymbolStix symbol systems.
- Color code systems available per your request: Modified Fitzgerald or Gossens’
- Made to Order
- Inventory: In Stock
The vocabulary layout for our Therapeutic Riding Boards includes core and fringe vocabulary. All of our communication boards are 100% customizalbe to meet your needs and the needs of your riders.
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Installation of our therapeutic riding boards are easily accomplished with standard everyday tools. We provide suggestions for installation. We strongly suggest placing boards at the “eye level” of the horse/rider combo or near high-transition areas like the gate or the mounting ramp to maximize engagement. Please contact us directly if you have specfic questions.
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