The Program

The therapy program is seasonal, running from spring to fall. The program is funded through donations, grants, and charitable fundraising allowing sessons to be free of charge. A dedicated team made up of Andrea Hayse Vol. Coordinator, Mary Sampson, Equine Coordinator, and instructors, (photo left to right) Peggy Coomer, Jacquelyn Wilson and Kelly Epperson work hard to provide quality sessions to our riders. All of these ladies are experienced equestrians and trained by NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association).

During the sessions, the gentle movement of a supervised ride on a horse develops muscle tone, control, and balance. Horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves their bodies in a manner similar to normal human walking. The relationship a rider developes with a horse builds confidence, self-esteem, motivation, patience and the realization between cause and effect. Finally, the love the rider experiences from the horse, encourages the rider to not only trust the horse but rely on it so they can accomplish the rider’s goals together.