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IF WISHES WERE HORSES, INC

 Therapeutic Horseback Riding for Children

at FLEET EQUESTRIAN CENTER, LLC

             
 
 
   DISABILITY INCLUSIVE THERAPEUTIC  PROGRAM
For School Groups and Activity Groups serving Individuals with Disabilities
These individuals would be in special setting classrooms with Special Education Teachers/Professionals and Coming to ride with us from their school or activity groups.
1-3 volunteers needed per horse to ensure the safety of the individual in the program
  
  RECREATIONAL THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM    
There are MANY Recognized Disabilities that I work with on a weekly basis. 
These individuals would be in regular education settings with IEPs or 504 education plans, Medical Diagnosis's, Conditions requiring accommodations on horseback.
Children must be evaluated for acceptance in terms of suitability of placement and safety.
These students do not require volunteers to participate in the program.		  
 


  

Our Mission

To provide a positive learning environment, where personal growth and improvement in one's overall quality of life is facilitated with the use of horses by: 

Bridging over into other areas of our participant’s lives to foster improvement in work life, school life, family interaction, socialization, etc

Fostering respectful relationships with animals, peers, and volunteers.

Improving physical, cognitive, emotional, and mental function, through a variety of activities on the ground and on horseback.

 

  
 

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

  
  Therapeutic Horseback riding helps with more issues than you think. 

ADA definition of a disability: Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine.

 
  Disability does not discriminate! An average of 1 in 5 Americans has a disability of some sort - an estimated 24 million people!
 
 

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.

To learn more about PATH, Intl visit their website http://www.pathintl.org

  
     
  COSTS TO RIDERS
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 fundraisers, horse shows, dinners, grants, corporate gifts, and other generous contributions.
The actual cost per rider per session is $65- $90, we only ask that families pay $40 per lesson.

School groups can donate up to $10 per rider per session
Activity groups pay $5- $10 per rider per session.

Sponsor a rider -  $40.00 per child per week
$120.00 per month will sponsor a child's lessons   
                              $1000.00 a year-  school year long scholarship (Sept - May)                           
                        
Sponsor a Class - school program/ activity group  Currently $5- $10 minimum donation per rider, per time.

Sponsor a horse - $200 a month - Covers their feed, shoes, wormer, and portion of yearly vet fees.      

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  $250,000.  - 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. Grants and fundraising will occur for this category in the future.

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. Safe! Safe! Safe!

 

 

  
 

We are an official 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation!

   

 

IF WISHES WERE HORSES, INC is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!!!!!

Please consider volunteering your time so we can add more programs for our community!

 

   ****We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, for any reason.  FEC, LLC 2009****
Please be aware: Persons exhibiting disruptive or inappropriate behavior will be asked to leave the premises and/or riding programs. 2015