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Staff/Board
RIDING PROGRAM
With the combination of a horse, riding instructor and therapist, the rider achieves specific
therapeutic goals... physical, mental, motivational and spiritual.
Participants are from two categories (1) at -risk youths and (2) disabled participants.
Horseback riding develops self-awareness, builds self-confidence, improves concentration and
increases self-discipline. Riding also strengthens and relaxes muscles, improves posture,
balance and coordination, and increases joint mobility.
DEVELOPMENTALLY CHALLENGED INDIVIDUALS
Our disabled participants consist of three main populations: mentally , cognitively and/or
physically challenged (e.g., Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Downs, Head or Spinal Trauma). The
unique therapeutic approach we offer is giving at-risk participants the opportunity to help others,
especially those who cannot give anything in return. Thus, some of our at-risk youth assist as
volunteers in therapeutic riding sessions for our disabled riders and all have had very positive
experiences.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED
- Year round private, group and therapeutic riding lessons
- Host for training, workshop, and testing for NARHA Instructor's Certification
- Collaboration with local colleges and schools for research
- Continued education training for instructors and volunteers
- Youth Development Program for area high school students; site for local high school
students to fulfill volunteer hours required for graduation - Drill team training, practice and performances
- Summer camps for groups with a range of needs: the blind, youth from transitional
housing, cranial-facial deformities, children's group homes - Official site and host for Regional Equine Special Olympics Competition
- Participation in local community parades and horse shows
All riders are required to fill out a participant packet before riding at the Leaning Post