Therapeutic Horseback Riding…

As part of the 24 Hour Read-A-Thon, I am helping to raise money for charity. My charity of choice is Triple Creek Ranch Inc. (TCRI) – a non-profit program which provides Equine Assisted Activities (including therapeutic horseback riding and Hippotherapy) to adults and children with emotional, behavioral, learning, and physical disability.

So what exactly IS Therapeutic Horseback Riding?

The North American Riding For the Handicapped Association (NAHRA), sets the national standards for programs such as TCRI and refers to all activities in their centers as Equine Assisted Activities. Therapeutic riding is offered to students who demonstrate physical, emotional, learning, or behavioral challenges and who wish to learn the skills of horsemanship. Ground and riding skills are taught by a NARHA certified instructor. TCRI classes are held for 2 to 4 students at a time. Students not only experience the joy of learning to ride, but also benefit physically and emotionally (improving confidence and self-esteem) through the relationship with their horse and the volunteers.

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When I was on the horse it made me forget all the pain I was in and I was just happy to be on top of the horse. I give thanks to Triple Creek Ranch for letting me ride there. I really enjoy my time there.
Alycia- Student

I think therapeutic classes are great for the kids, so they can come to the ranch and do their therapy without the feeling you get in a doctors office. My favorite part is getting to see the students getting better control with their muscles.
Alycia – Volunteer

Alycia started coming out to Triple Creek Ranch in 2007. Not only did she participate in the classes as a student – who was battling daily pain – but she loved it so much she asked to volunteer as well. Alycia earned Triple Creek Ranch’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2007…and was informally voted the student/volunteer who would be most apt to move a bed into the barn and live there!

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Fun Fact about Triple Creek Ranch: TCRI has NEVER turned away ANY student for lack of ability to pay for services! Because of community support and the efforts of its volunteers, TCRI has been able to serve the children and adults of Shasta County since 2004. Do you want to help TCRI continue to put a smile on the faces of individuals like Alycia? Please consider sponsoring me during the 24 Hour Read-A-Thon by donating to Triple Creek Ranch. For details, read my post about the event. You can also enter to win a free book by participating!