UCP’s Saddle Pals
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
The simple act of riding a horse can have intense positive results for a person with developmental disabilities like autism, epilepsy, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy as well as other disabilities. Therapeutic riding uses the movement of the horse to positively affect the rider’s body, mind and spirit. The size and conformation of the horse, its gait, the equipment used and activities performed are all part of the equation.
How Saddle Pals works
Nationally accredited by NARHA, UCP’s Saddle Pals program promotes growth, independence and improved quality of life for riders, helping them:
- Develop a bond with the horse
- Learn responsibilities associated with riding and animal care
- Expand their knowledge and skills in a fun, supportive environment
Offering weekly therapeutic horsemanship lessons to people age 4 and up, Saddle Pals serves 65 people each month. Expert staff members create individualized lesson plans that help riders meet their short-term and long-range goals and overcome fears and challenges. Many of the skills learned in the riding arena even transfer to other areas of the riders’ lives.
A popular program, Saddle Pals has 60 people on the waiting list in its two locations in Grass Valley and Orangevale.
|
Orangevale - Contact Jodi jwong@ucpsacto.org Grass Valley - Contact Jane jdezell@ucpsacto.org Download Riding Application Download Riding Calendar |
Contact us today at (916) 726-7257.