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Stable Connections is the only clinic in Manitoba and one of the few in Canada dedicated to providing occupational therapy incorporating the movement of the horse and interactions with the horse.
We provide services for children and adults with various diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, stroke recovery, and developmental delay. Our therapists combine a sensory-rich environment with Hippotherapy - a treatment strategy incorporating the movement of the horse - to provide carefully graded motor, sensory and neurological input. Each day we are honoured to share the experiences of our clients in developing or regaining their first words, first steps, first connection, and other remarkable gains. Function depends on groups of neurons that work together. Neurons form networks - wiring the brain together through experiences. We hope to create those experiences for our clients to connect physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially. We provide these experiences at the stables and help clients generalize their skills to be successful participants in their everyday lives. Creating Stable Connections! |
From the beginning |
Where we are now |
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Sarah has always wanted to pair her passion for helping others reach their goals with her love of horses. She knew early on that she wanted to open the first private practice occupational therapy in Manitoba incorporating horses. The goal was to offer a variety of therapy strategies including applying the movement and behavior of the horse during a therapy session to help clients improve their lives. While completing her Master's of Occupational Therapy, she pursued further education through the American Hippotherapy Association in the application of equine movement into her treatment plans . She loves combining her love of anatomy, neurology, horses, and occupational therapy.
Sarah had the pleasure of meeting her colleague Karen Saindon at the barn. Karen was completing bodywork on horses to maintain their bodies and minds for work. Sarah and Karen quickly became two peas in a pod! They connected on the idea of healing through somatic experiences (body awareness). Through their friendship, they put their heads together to offer clients a unique therapeutic experience combining bodywork, somatic experiencing, neurodevelopmental, and sensory techniques. |
Sarah has successfully opened her private practice which offers occupational therapy services incorporating horses. Occupational therapy is designed for individuals who wish to improve motor control, coordination, balance, attention, sensory processing, and performance in daily tasks.
Furthermore, Sarah and Karen have facilitated a program to pair bodywork with therapeutic techniques to promote healing from physical discomfort and emotional symptoms resulting from traumatic experiences or stress. Helping clients release traumatic incidents from the emotional and physical body to improve their participation in life! Their work has been modelled internationally, and is being carried out by therapists in Europe. Now offering programming 6 days a week - sundays off. Sarah and Karen plan to collaborate with more organizations in the community to help clients access services. 
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Our 2-legged herd
Sarah-Michelle Senécal: OT Reg (MB)
Owner & Lead Clinician |
Karen Saindon: C.E.M.T.
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Christopher Pedlar:
Facilities Manager & Sidewalker |
Arielle Ochman: Horse Handler
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Keri Brandner: Rehab Support Worker
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Cristabel Nett: Physiotherapist
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