physicians to deliver professional equine assisted therapy to children, at-risk teens and adults.

The program is designed to help disabled children improve in areas specific to their individual needs and provide the chance for them to experience greater independence. The program provides special needs youth an opportunity to fully participate in fundamental, developmentally appropriate recreational activities while also addressing each individual’s particular challenges.

Recreational venues and opportunities are very limited for special needs youth and typically are limited to handicapped accessible playgrounds in communities where they do exist. For older children and adolescents, the options are even more restricted. Many sports and recreational activities that are appropriate for this age range (5-17) are not accessible or available for the special needs population. While Special Olympics offer some opportunities, this organization serves only the mentally disabled population.

Disability-specific camps, when available and affordable, are usually limited to a weekend or a week during the summer. The scope of Dream Catchers’ program services extends across the spectrum of special needs; therapeutic riding is an accessible option for riders of any disability type.

The importance of recreation is now recognized as a figural component to healthy physical and emotional development. The Americans with Disabilities Act has also highlighted the necessity for inclusion of the special needs population in all aspects of community life. Local educational and recreational leaders have responded very positively to the potential for joining with Dream Catchers to better meet this critical need through shared services and facilities. Dream Catchers offers a recreational activity that promotes individual wellness as well as community partnerships.

Each participant in the program is evaluated upon referral and an individualized lesson plan is then created. Throughout a six week session, skills are developed which address each child’s specific challenges in areas such as balance, posture, strength, mobility, sensory comfort and fine motor skills functioning. At the end of a session, program participants demonstrate concrete progress towards their delineated goals, as well as experience the psychological and emotional benefits afforded by inclusion in active, social recreation.

Learn more about Therapeutic Riding