Exceptional Riders Program
Exceptional Riders Program is a nonprofit that provides free riding for children and adults with special needs. The program encourages individuals with special needs to improve their balance and self esteem through the use of therapeutic riding.
What is therapeutic riding?
Therapeutic riding is the use of horse and horseback riding activities to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals for the student. These areas include physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and behavioral.
Therapeutic riding is practiced in some form in most countries in the world and was recognized even in ancient civilizations as beneficial for handicapped persons.
Special needs individuals often deal with a lack of confidence. The concept of therapeutic riding is based on the idea that if you can put the person in a situation where they are doing something that other people can do, and something many others cannot do, the level of self confidence will dramatically improve. When on horseback, one feels "ten feet tall" and the students' spirits soar. For some, it may be the first time they can be mobile and independent of other people and mechanical aids. In addition to the obvious emotional benefits of the program, horseback riding also offers an excellent means for physical therapy.
Interested in learning more about Exceptional Riders? Check out their website or donate at www.exceptionalridersprogram.com
Kids’ Horse Camps
Rising hope offers kids’ camps through the year. They are great for kids between ages 7 and 13 to experience horses for the first time and kids who are in town for a short period of time and want to get around horses.
2024 Spring Break Horse Camps
March 26-28 | 10 am to 1 pm daily
2024 Summer Horse Camps
June 18-20, July 30-Aug 1, or Aug 13-15 | 9 am to 12 pm daily
🎄2024 Christmas Horse Camps
TBD | 11 am to 2 pm daily
Always a hit with the kids, campers learn about safety on the ground and while riding, grooming, horse care, and did we say RIDING? On the last day of each camp we put on a small horse show with awards so the campers can display all that they’ve learned during the camp! Camps are taught by our full time riding instructors/trainers. Cost is $300. Deposit of half is required to hold your spot. Please contact us asap with questions and to reserve a spot.
Lil Shorties Day Pony Camps
This new littles’ pony camp is great for your 3-6 year olds with an interest in horses. Campers will get to hang out with ponies Skittles & Peaches and get to do the more basic and crafty parts of kids’ horse camp. Cost is $100. Dates below. Please contact us asap with questions and to reserve a spot.
2024 Summer Camp
June 21, July 12, August 2, or August 16 | 9 am to 11 am
🎄2024 Christmas Camp
TBD | 1 pm to 3 pm