Heritage Christian Stables, on Salt Rd. in Webster, has sent out a call for volunteers.
Heritage Christian Stables is a therapeutic riding program for children and adults with physical, social or developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism and spina bifida. Horseback riding is great therapy for all of these conditions, providing social, emotional and physical benefits.
The need is great in our area for programs like these, but without enough volunteers, it’s hard to serve that need.
In a release I recently received from Heritage, Volunteer Coordinator Niki Whilden goes on to explain that,
therapeutic horsemanship impacts a person’s physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well being. The horse’s walk mimics the three dimensional movement of the human walk, offering riders the rhythmic movement and opportunities for improvement in balance, symmetry, and muscle strengthening. Participants are provided with cognitive tasks to improve following directions, sequencing, and meeting educational goals. Psychologically, it’s empowering for the rider to be able to control a 1,000-pound animal and develop a bond with a horse that positively affects the participant’s self-esteem and confidence.
Therapeutic horsemanship allows people to strengthen their bodies and minds, freeing their spirit to do the things they never thought possible. And best of all, it’s fun!
The continued success of the therapeutic horsemanship program relies heavily on volunteers, which help to run lessons year-round. Riders may require as many as three people to assist them – one “side walker” on each side of the horse and one “horse leader” responsible for guiding the equine. Experience is not required, and all necessary training is provided.
Heritage’s fall session begins Sept. 9, and they’ll need approximately 80 volunteers to help approximately 60 individuals ride horses during lessons offered six days a week and varying times of the day.
For more information on how you can help, call (585) 872-2540 or email volunteerhcs@gmail.com.
“At Heritage Christian Stables,” Whilden added, “we believe the special bond between a rider and their horse can help people of all abilities reach beyond their limitations to achieve their dreams.”
Heritage Christian Stables is located at 1103 Salt Rd. If you’d like to read more about the great programs they offer, visit their website here. I also wrote a column about them several years ago, which you can find here.
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