Why therapeutic riding?
There are many similarities between human and horse:
110-120 steps per minute 4 to 5 degrees of pelvic rotation from front to back 2 to 3 inch pelvic shifts side to side 2 inches of average displacement in the center of gravity
Boosts Self Image
Riding gives a tremendous boost to self-image, especially for those with learning disabilities which involve visual perception difficulties. "Wow, I can do it!"--a tremendous feeling that they can do something as well if not better than anyone else! For many, this is the first time in their lives that they've felt this way.
Muscular Improvement
Riding is particularly beneficial for wheelchair students or students with low muscle tone. These students may have little to no natural means of locomotion. The action of the horse relaxes and stimulates unused muscles, building muscle tone and improving coordination and balance.
Offers Incentives for Learning
Mentally challenged and Down Syndrome students are able to learn to mount, walk, trot, canter, do all the exercises, dismount, "run up the irons," and put the horse away. For many, riding becomes the most important part of their lives, and their interest in horses provides new incentives for learning. Their vocabulary increases and they develop a desire to read about horses. Therapeutic treatment using horses benefits people with neurological deprivation and dysfunction. Research shows enhancement of balance, coordination, spatial orientation, and improved intelligence.
Therapeutic riding can help with different disabilties:
Physical The rhythm of the horse moves the rider's body in a way similar to the human gait. The stable offers multitude of therapeutic benefits. Mental Riding can increase the rider's concentration, help them to articulate emotions, and develop a sense of spatial awareness. Emotional Riding can be effective in calming emotional outbursts and help to reinforce appropriate behavior. Social/Language Riding gives countless opportunities for socialization and language activities, helps with the correct posture to use the diaphragm, teaches students how to interact with other riders, and teaches them to become part of a team.
Provides Love and Reassurance
For the emotionally disturbed, the fuzzy, friendly quality of horses serves a marvelous purpose. The approach, the petting, the grooming- all on a horse who stands immobile- the mounting and walking in absolute safety, surrounded by people who are also warm and friendly, are all so reassuring.
Our rider- Sam
Mission Statement
The REATH Center's Mission: The REATH Center envisions meeting clients needs through safe riding experiences and to expand the function of children and adults with special needs by providing them with challenging and educational activities through the use of therapeutic horses.ere.
This was Sam's first ride (June 29, 2017)
Check out Sam's progress!
This was Sam after riding for 4 months.
The difference is incredible!
Volunteering is fun & rewarding!
Volunteer information
Volunteering at The REATH Center is so much more than just donating your time & service--it requires a willingness to be an active part of a larger community--- a team that is vital to our continued success. Whatever you experience, talents and energy, your willingness to give yourself and your time is what is needed to support The REATH Center and the people we serve. Volunteers are the backbone of our program. Without you our riders simply could NOT ride!!
How to become a volunteer
Volunteers don't have to have horse experience, but it is helpful to have some horse knowledge. There is a training that each volunteer must complete each year. Most volunteers are here 1 1/2 to- 3 hrs per week. To find out when the trainings will be held contact Marchetta @ 270-789-8654.
Volunteer guidelines
• The minimum age for volunteers to work with riders is 14 yrs. (younger volunteers can be lots of help in the barn)
• Volunteering involves moderate physical activity. You will be on your feet around 2 hours each time you volunteer. Make sure you are comfortable with the physical role you have selected
• Volunteers do not need to have previous horse experience, but a level of comfort with horses is helpful
• Volunteers must be available a minimum of 2 hours per week (same day and time each week)
• ALL volunteers are required to attend a general 3 hour Volunteer Training Session
• ALL Horse Leaders must attend a 2 hour Horse Handling Clinic (This ensures that all volunteers handle our horses in the same way. It also helps horse leaders increase their skills so they can be effective and safe in classes.)
• New volunteers receive their volunteer schedule after they have completed a Volunteer Training Session.
• Volunteer are scheduled on interest, experience, and availability
• The REATH Center reserves the right to make the final determination as to the appropriateness of volunteers for our organization
• The REATH Center does enforce a dress code to ensure the ability of volunteers to perform in their roles as well as to set examples for The REATH Center riders.
How can you help?
Ways to help
Whatever you give makes a difference! $35.00...One ride sponsorship $125.00...One week sponsorship for 1 rider for summer camp
$210.00...One 6 week sponsorship for 1 rider
$280.00...One 8 week sponsorship for 1 rider
$700.00...One year sponship for 1 rider $15.00... Horse expense for one lesson
$1,200...Horse care sponsorship for 1 year
$100.00...Horse care sponsorship for 1 month
$50.00...1 safety helmet $100.00...Program insurance for 1 month
$500.00...Special horse surcingle for rider stability
All contributions are tax deductible
Our wish list
The REATH Center is in constant need of everyday items. If you would like to donate any of these items....we would greatly appreciate it! Any amount of donation is always welcomed! Feel free to contact us via email at info@thereathcenter.com or call (270)789-8654
•Sponsor a rider for $35 (1 ride)
•Non-laytex Rubber Gloves
•Sandwich Bags
•Old cleans rags or socks
•Paper towels /Tissues
•Hand sanitizer
•Dish soap
•Leather New or Saddle Soap
•Leather wipes
•Duct tape
•Tack cleaning sponges
•Box of copy paper
•Postage stamps
•Scrub brushes with long handles
•eZall Horse Wash
•Fly Spray
•Muck rakes
•Orange traffic cones (medium size)
•Tractor
•Bushhog
•Manure Spreader
Volunteer guidelines
• The minimum age for volunteers to work with riders is 14 yrs. (younger volunteers can be lots of help in the barn)
• Volunteering involves moderate physical activity. You will be on your feet around 2 hours each time you volunteer. Make sure you are comfortable with the physical role you have selected
• Volunteers do not need to have previous horse experience, but a level of comfort with horses is helpful
• Volunteers must be available a minimum of 2 hours per week (same day and time each week)
• ALL volunteers are required to attend a general 3 hour Volunteer Training Session
• ALL Horse Leaders must attend a 2 hour Horse Handling Clinic (This ensures that all volunteers handle our horses in the same way. It also helps horse leaders increase their skills so they can be effective and safe in classes.)
• New volunteers receive their volunteer schedule after they have completed a Volunteer Training Session.
• Volunteer are scheduled on interest, experience, and availability
• The REATH Center reserves the right to make the final determination as to the appropriateness of volunteers for our organization
• The REATH Center does enforce a dress code to ensure the ability of volunteers to perform in their roles as well as to set examples for The REATH Center riders.