Children ages 5 to 18 with a physical disability or sensory impairment may participate. Permission from the child’s parent or guardian is required, along with written permission from the child’s doctor.
Individual evaluations are scheduled for new riders before lessons begin. Riders are placed in classes based on their needs, age and experience. Classes are held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo. Horseback riding is also available during camping sessions at Camp Courage.
Horseback riding is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial forms of recreational therapy for people with disabilities.
Riding develops self-awareness, builds confidence and improves concentration and self-discipline. It also relaxes, strengthens and tones muscles; increases joint mobility; and improves posture, balance and coordination.
Riding is especially beneficial to people who use wheelchairs because the motion of horseback riding produces hip and back action that perfectly simulates a human’s walking gait.
Riding also provides students with a unique source of trust and reassurance prompting many of them to gain new incentives for learning through interaction with their horses.
Students gain a sense of freedom and awareness of their bodies that cannot be duplicated in conventional therapy. Overall, horseback riding gives each student a tremendous boost in self-esteem.
For more information, see our Courage Riders brochure. Schedule and fees are in the Sports and Recreation section of our Class Catalog (spring/summer edition).
Trained volunteers supervise and assist students in grooming and tacking horses. During lessons they lead and walk beside horses. Specially trained volunteers or therapists may also ride behind students.
To be a Courage Riders volunteer, experience with horses and/or people with special needs is helpful, but not necessary. Volunteer positions include horse leaders, backriders, sidewalkers, student aides, clerical support and fundraising.
To volunteer, call Lisa Gacek at 651.351.2337.
