Special Equestrians

Special Equestrians provides therapeutic riding and hippotherapy to children and adults with a wide range of mental, physical, developmental and emotional disabilities. These disabilities include but are not limited to autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Individuals participate in weekly lessons during three terms: Fall, Spring and Summer. A typical lesson is taught by a certifed Therapeutic Riding Instructor with training specific to people with disabilities. It lasts 35 - 45 minutes and teaches riding skills appropriate to the individuals abilties. Classes may also include caring for, grooming, and tacking the horse. Special Equestrians serve over 100 individuals a year and holds Premier Accredited Status, the highest recognition possible, from PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). The objective of the program is to maximize the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for each participant. Many of the physical benefits are related to the fact that the tri-dimensional hop action of the horse is similar to that of a human. The motion of the horse stimulates dormant nerves, while relaxing and stretching the muscles. It helps to enhance balance, strength and endurance while stimulating circulation and respiration. Therapeutic riding also provides many emotional and psychological benefits. It requires focus, memory utilization, motor planning, sequencing and decision-making skills. Riding necessitates the development of human-animal bonding skills and the ability to respond and adapt to changing situations. It can allow those who demonstrate aggression and/or hyperactivity to channel their behavior into constructive activity and improve the ability or will to follow directions.

The development of these skills improves a riders performance during the riding lesson and often carries forward into their daily lives outside the arena. Program participants most often experience increased confidence, motivation, and self-esteem from learning to control a horse. Perhaps most importantly, riding offers individuals with disabilities freedome - the freedom to be who they are without the restrictions placed on them by their disability.The success of the therapeutic riding program is best seen in the achievements of the riders: Their ability to execute more complex maneuvers and to ride at faster gaits, their increased participation in the lessons and interactions with the horses, volunteers, and staff and their improved quality of life.Special Equestrians Inc. is fortunate to receive over $27,142 in donated services in addition to the use of the 13 acres on which it operates its program, all of which are not reported herein, in order to complete its mission.Additionally, over 200 volunteers provided over 8,000 hours toward our mission accomplishment.