What are the Benefits of Therapeutic Riding?
Horseback riding can improve balance and co-ordination, strengthen muscles, increase circulation and decrease spasticity. Motor functions may also be improved by this unique and enjoyable therapy.
Horseback riding also increases concentration and improves learning skills. Participants are challenged and are rewarded with a sense of achievement. They experience a general feeling of well-being, self-esteem and self-confidence.
The participant may also develop a strong bond of respect, trust and kinship with the horse, volunteers and fellow participants.
TEAMWORK
Every member of the team has a vital and indispensable role. Here is an introduction to the Team Members:
HORSES
The horses are at the core of any therapeutic equestrian program. As our riders come in all shapes and sizes and have a variety of disabilities, we need horses in various shapes and sizes with differing skills. However, all of our horses share one thing – a calm and gentle disposition. Our horses have been lent to us by incredibly generous horse owners and we are extremely grateful.
VOLUNTEERS
Without volunteers, there is no therapeutic equestrian program. They are an invaluable and essential part of the team. Volunteers work with the horses and participants, they work on projects such as building equipment, they organize special events, work in the office, raise money……..they keep the program going.
PARTICIPANTS
Our participants come in all shapes, sizes and ability levels. Their goals are as diverse as they are. Disabilities that commonly benefit from equestrian activities include but are not limited to:
-Cerebral Palsy
-Multiple Sclerosis
-Spina Bifida
-Muscular Dystrophy
-Developmental Delays
-Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
-ADD/ADHD
-Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is Therapeutic Riding?
Therapeutic Riding is the use of the horse and equine-oriented activities to achieve a variety of therapeutic goals, including cognitive, physical, emotional, social, educational and behavioral goals. Best of all, it is a thoroughly enjoyable experience, which creates a special relationship between participant and horse and promotes personal challenges.
NWTEA NEWS
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Please hand in applications before June 30th. Thank you!
VOLUNTEER DAY
April 9th in the Thornhill Arena
4.30 pm - 6 pm
March 2009:
Spring Session:
May 5 - June 25 (8 wks)
All participant applications for Spring session be completed and received by March 31.
Jan 2009: HAPPY NEW YEARS AND A GREAT START INTO 2009 FOR EVERYBODY!
August 2008: Registration for Fall Sessions started.
Make sure you get your appli-cation in before October 1, 2008
June 2008:
New Summer Sessions
FUN DAY and AGM at Ridge-wind Farm.
June 28 - 2008
10 am - 1 pm
Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled morning on a farm – feed the chickens, play with the turkeys, pet the goats and most important of all, come ride and play with our therapy horses.
For more info contact Lisa Strydom at
(250) 638-1706
April 2008:
We've done well - with the strong participation, fundraising and sponsorships we have been able to cover our costs. Now it is time to give back to you and we are happy to announce that we will lower our membership fees: effective immediately we now charge $10(individual) / $20(Family)
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!
New session starting April 8 - we are still looking for Volunteers!
March 2008:
NWTEA OPEN DAY
March 15
10am – 12 noon
During these 2 hours we will be showing and telling people what Therapy Riding is all about. There will be the opportunity to join as volunteers and riders. It will be held at the Saddle Club Arena on the Fairgrounds in Thornhill.
Jan 2008:
The NWTEA has been featured in a CBC article about therapeutic riding. View here
