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Text Box:   IF WISHES WERE HORSES, INC    

A Therapeutic riding program FOR CHILDREN

at FLEET EQUESTRIAN CENTER, LLC

 

RETURN TO HOME PAGE                                              SPECIAL NEEDS  PROGRAM                                 COST TO PARTICIPANTS

Now taking applicants  for the

 SPECIAL NEEDS  PROGRAM Fall of 2008 classes. 
This program is a weekly riding lesson class that runs throughout the school year.

EMAIL ME WITH YOUR INTEREST.

adaar54@hotmail.com

501 (c) (3) applied for.

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I saw a child who couldn't walk
sit on a horse, laugh and talk.
Then ride it through a field of daisies
and yet he could not walk unaided.
I saw a child, no legs below,
sit on a horse and make it go
through woods of green
and places he had never been
to sit and stare,
except from a chair.

I saw a child who could only crawl
mount a horse and sit up tall.
put it through degrees of paces
and laugh at the wonder in our faces.
I saw a child born into strife,
Take up and hold the reins of life
and that same child was heard to say,
Thank God for showing me the way…

John Anthony Davis

 

 

RECENT "HORSE AIDED" MIRACLES WITNESSED FALL 2007.

A rider's first time on the horse.  They are  Autistic and haven't spoken in two months, child starts talking while riding the horse.

One of the most amazing things I have witnessed:  A rider in their 20's has had a stroke, 3 years ago doctors told the family they would never walk, talk or function but could be rotated regularly to prevent bed sores; that was the extent of their quality of life.  Now, three years after the stroke with the help of learning to ride a horse, through simply riding once weekly, this rider is slowly regaining their life back and is able to walk, talk and participate in life. 

 

 

 

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"There's something about the outside of a horse that does something to the inside of a man."

Winston Churchill

 

  

 

WHY THERAPEUTIC RIDING ?

In the past, the medical community as well as the general public underestimated the effectiveness of riding therapy. However, research and  evidence mounted, proving its benefits could no longer be ignored. Medical doctors and therapists alike have discovered that riding therapy can produce results that cannot be achieved by the means of traditional therapy.

Riding therapy has also found to be effective with mentally challenged, as well as emotionally disturbed and behavior challenged individuals. The development of a relationship with the horse who offers unconditional love and who is non-judgmental creates a bond. This allows the student to relate his human/horse relationship to those around him, often forming a bond and improving communication skills, socialization, personal development and self-esteem.

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WHAT  NARHA  HAS TO SAY  ABOUT THERAPEUTIC RIDING

The benefits of horseback riding are as numerous as are the types of disabilities and conditions served. Research shows that students who participate in therapeutic riding can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.

For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The sense of independence found on horseback benefits all who ride. The therapeutic qualities of horseback riding are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Excerpts from NARHA - North American Riders Handicap Association website   
To learn more about NARHA visit their website http://www.narha.org
 

WHAT KIND OF DISABILITIES AND CONDITIONS ARE HELPED BY THERAPEUTIC RIDING?

Therapeutic riding offers an alternative and unique form of therapy for a wide number of individuals with special needs.
Below are some of the conditions and special needs that benefit from therapeutic riding. 

 

Disability does not discriminate! An average of 1 in 5 Americans has a disability of some sort.  An estimated 24 million people - half of all individuals with disabilities – have a severe disability.  Here at Fleet Equestrian Center, our Therapeutic Riding program "IF WISHES WERE HORSES" strives to reach those in need.  This is a child based program the age of acceptance varies according to each riders conditions and needs. 

WHAT DOES IT COST TO RUN A THERAPEUTIC EQUINE PROGRAM?
This information is meant to demonstrate the cost of keeping horses, this is not information on leasing horses out to any participants.
 Horse Care - Monthly  - $300.00 per month - includes -Horse and Stall Rental/Board
                                                                                       - daily care: hay, feed, bedding, health supplements
                                                                                        - preventative care: worming, inoculations, dental care, joint injections, chiropractic
                                                                                                                      - farrier care

Facility Rental Cost - $1,500 per month  - For use of entire facility 3 days a week and 1/2 all fees and dues split with hosting facility.

 

 

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
Help keep the cost of riding low to our riders.  Become a sponsor and change a child's life forever.  Although we charge a fee for services, this only covers a portion of our actual costs of therapeutic riding.   Our program is funded by donations from individuals, events- such as horse shows, dinners, grants, corporate gifts, and other generous contributions.
Scholarships are offered to riders as funds allow and group discounts are available for school programs/groups.  Riders will receive scholarships based on need (all or partial scholarships.)   The actual cost per rider per session is $100, we only ask that families pay $25 of that before any scholarships. (per lesson_

Sponsor a rider -  $25.00 per child per week/$100.00 per month will sponsor a child's lessons    (Weekly Special Needs Program)
                              $900.00 a year-  school year long scholarship (Sept - May)                            (Sponsor monthly, yearly, or any amount)
                        
Sponsor a Class - school program/ group organizations- Undetermined


Sponsor a horse - $300.00 a month (any amount - all or part)


Horse medical emergency fund - ANY AMOUNT - this is a very important category, without the horses we can't provide therapeutic riding.
 

Indoor arena fund - ext. cost  $500,000.  - arena will provide shelter for our riders during inclement weather, including extreme cold, hot, and windy weather.  Cost of indoor arena, grading, road, parking lot, and other safety features.

General Donations - In any amount or of any kind (aka - horses, items off of wish list, equipment, etc.) - all donations are tax deductible.  Donations will be applied  to program continuance.  Donations of funds, horses, equipment, services and time are needed and are always greatly appreciated.

Horse Donations - What we are looking for ideally.  Sound, healthy, middle aged (younger if exceptional horse), preferably a ring trained/show experienced horse that does not mind the arena and willing to work, with no bad tricks, calm and steady.

No lame horses!  (Lame horses interfere with the purpose of therapeutic riding, which is to simulate the human gait - also horses must be sound to perform all gaits)

 

501 (c) (3) applied for donations only can be accepted upon completion and acceptance of application.