Horses Unlimited,
Inc. is not just a stable for riding. It provides equine-assisted therapy lessons to
disabled children and adults and recreational activities to family members.
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The center operates its riding facility during the summer months at Sloat, California, by
the side of the beautiful Feather River. It offers riding as a positive therapy which can
contribute to rehabilitation as few other therapeutic systems can.
The lesson plans are individually customized by a certified riding instructor. Goals are
formulated with input from the students, parents, doctors, case workers, therapists and
other professionals.The types of disabilities accepted at the center are cerebral
palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, brain injury, stroke, amputee, seizure
disorder, cognitive impairments, autism, learning disabled, mentally handicapped,
developmental delay, language disability, blind/visually impaired, and
deaf/hearing-impaired.
In order to participate in equestrian activities, a student needs a physician's release
to determine whether or not impairment is physical or sensory. The student rider has an
initial interview to develop a plan for riding and to discuss financial eligibility.
If the rider is unable to pay for services, there are funds available. |
There is limited grant money available to
provide recreational riding services for family members, too.
The lesson content includes horse care, exercise, riding skills, and games with an
emphasis on safety. There is an instructor competent in the use of sign language.A
session is comprised of eight lessons, one hour long. The lesson takes place in an arena
with instructors and volunteers who assist the rider.
Gentle, well-trained horses are used and specialized equipment is available for riders in
wheelchairs. Class size depends upon the student's abilities.
Horse Unlimited is an accredited member of the North American Riding for the
Handicapped Association. We use their guidelines and standards for the facility,
instructors, volunteers and horses.
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For more information about NARHA and therapeutic riding, call 800-369-RIDE (7433).
For more information about Horses Unlimited, Inc., call (530) 836-4551.
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