Our Programs
Attention: we currently have 7 openings for Fall Riding Season. The criteria we are looking for Monday AM Itty Bits classes:
The classes are scheduled from September 13 to November 22, excluding November 11, 2010.
Class time: 9:30am to 10:30am OR 10:30am to 11:30am.
Ages: 3 to 6 years
Must be able to maintain a sitting position while the horse is moving.
Any seizure activity should be controlled by medication.
Rider Applications from website must be filled in, and faxed or.sent to our e-mail.
Application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
If you are or if you know a person with a disability who could benefit from horseback riding, speak to one of our instructors. There are programs for novice to experienced riders of all ages and fees are subsidized by fundraising and volunteer activities.
- Itty Bits
Riders in the Itty Bits program range in age from 3 years to five and a half years of age. Therapeutic riding will benefit each child in varying and multiple ways. - Little Bits
Riders in the Little Bits Program range in age from five and a half to 18 years of age. - Big Bits
The Big Bits program was established in 1997 in response to an increasing number of riders over the age of 18. A grant was obtained from the Wild Rose Foundation to expand our mandate to include an adult riding program.
Benefits for Riders
Physical benefits for all riders may include improved balance, coordination, sensory integration and increased motor planning. For a rider with CP muscles may be relaxed and stretched resulting in decreased spasticity. The muscles of a rider with hypotonia will be strengthened thus improving posture. There could be an increase in the range of motion for certain joints as well as improved respiration and circulation.
Social benefits for a rider who has Autism could be an increase in socially appropriate behaviors, an increase in patience and the development of respect and friendship for animals and other human beings. The riders will also interact with the instructor and the volunteer(s) assisting them, giving the benefit of developing good listening and communication skills.
Cognitive benefits for a rider with global developmental delays would be to achieve an increase in attention span, an increase in the ability to follow directions and as well an increase in visual and spatial perception. Memory can be improved as well as sequencing skills.
Riders will be able to enjoy trail rides that take them through the forest and up and down small hills, over grass, gravel, concrete, sand, mud and water. They may ride on a warm sunny day, get caught in a short rain, or be out on a breezy day. All of these sensations add to the overall experience of connecting with nature.
All riders could experience emotional benefits via a sense of achievement and the ability to take risks. Riding provides persons with disabilities a sense of normalcy, as this is an activity which most any person can take part in. Riding can be highly motivating for some individuals and great for increasing self-confidence. It is a fun and enjoyable way to have "therapy" in a non-therapeutic setting. The horses are the therapy equipment and their movement affects each rider in a positive, non-clinical manner.
Learn more about the Benefits of Therapeutic Riding.