VERY Close to my Heart...

2 things in this world that I really, really love. Horses, and kids and people in need. Combine the 2 and this is what you get. The world's most willing people on the world's best horses. Ever since I got into horse back riding and teaching this is one of the dreams I've had of accomplishing. The Therapeutic riding program... What's better than this???

Horses are just amazingly gentle, large animals that allow people with disabilities to regain their balance, strength, and make them feel as though they have legs. The horse and rider in this case truly depend on each other.

Here are some fabulous riding facilities that I've researched, that provide such a great service.

http://www.narha.org/

http://www.care-ousel.com/

http://www.littlebit.org/

http://stridestherapeutic.com/default.aspx

http://www.ctrcinc.org/

http://www.rockycreekhorseshelp.org/TherapeuticRiding.html

http://www.lovelane.org/benefits.html From this Site I copied and pasted the Benefits of therapeutic riding and who it helps.

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic riding and hippotherapy are based on the beneficial movement of the horse. The three-dimensional, rhythmical motion of a horse stimulates and works the muscles of the rider. The input to a rider of the horse's gait is almost identical to the human gait. This three-dimensional, rhythmical motion thus stimulates and works muscles of the rider and provides normal sensory-motor input of “walking” to the rider. In addition, exercises and tasks that would be dreary or considered a “chore” in traditional therapy settings become fun and game-like if they are part of a riding therapy session.
Forming a partnership with a thousand pound animal can offer a tremendous sense of freedom and independence to a disabled individual, and can promote feelings of trust and self-worth. In fact, there a numerous case histories and increasing numbers of research articles that have documented disabled riders gaining the ability to walk, nonverbal clients speaking their first words, emotionally disabled children gaining the ability to trust again or to interact with others, and children with learning disabilities showing improvements in school, all due to their participation in therapeutic riding programs.

Physically, equine-assisted therapy takes disabled riders through complex series of movements, which consciously and unconsciously use all the body's muscles. The horse rhythmically and naturally moves the body in a manner similar to the human gait, improving posture, balance and muscle control. In addition, horseback riding produces a rare opportunity for disabled individuals to enjoy the outdoors free of wheelchairs or crutches.
Cognitively, equine-assisted therapy helps to “ground the nervous system” and facilitates higher cognitive function; improves sensory integration, verbal processing, etc.
Emotionally, equine-assisted therapy provides the opportunity for riders to bond with the horse, instructor, and volunteers, which assists in the development of trust. It is also effective in calming emotive outbursts and reinforcing appropriate behaviors. Contact with the horses and horsemanship training provides a non-competitive setting for learning. New abilities, self-discipline, improved concentration and risk taking build self-confidence.
Socially, equine-assisted therapy nurtures a positive self-image. Disabled riders often experience independence in an unique way; they are able to control a 1,000 pound animal! They also develop an awareness of being part of a team. All riders have the ability to learn skills and participate in a recognized sport. All riders grow in self-esteem, which they take back into their own worlds.

Benefits consistently cited by riders and their families, therapists and doctors include:
increased range of motion and muscle tone;
improved gross and fine motor skills, balance, posture and coordination;
increased concentration, spatial awareness/orientation, self-awareness and self-discipline;
increased cognitive skills;
increased speech and language;
increased independence and confidence;
increased self-esteem due to the acquisition of skill in a recognized sport

Our students include children and young adults who have a variety of special needs, including:
Autism
Cerebral Palsy
Developmental Delay
Spinal Cord Injury
Head Injury
Stroke
Down syndrome
Pervasive Developmental Delay
Attention Deficit Disorder
Vision/Hearing Impairment
Muscular Dystrophy
Multiple Sclerosis

I've volunteered and continue to volunteer at Riding facilities like these. The feelings are indescribable, and to be able to do something like this for others, and what could honestly be better? And NO ONE appreciates it more than they do.