Valley Riding, Inc.

Rocky River & Brecksville Stables

Last updated on May 9, 2008

 

Summer

Day/Location	Begins - Ends	Make-up Date
Mondays / Brecksville Stables	June 9 - Aug 11	Aug 18
Tuesdays / Rocky River Stables	June 10 - Aug 12	Aug 19

Spring 2008

Day/Location	Begins - Ends	Make-up Date
Mondays / Brecksville Stables	March 10 - May 12	May 19
Tuesdays / Rocky River Stables	March 11 - May 13	May 20

New applicants should contact the Rocky River office at 216-267-2525 for more information

The Therapeutic Riding Program (TRP) at Rocky River and Brecksville Stables in the Cleveland Metroparks is operated by Valley Riding Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 affiliate of the Cleveland Metroparks. Our program has been providing therapeutic equestrian activities for individuals with disabilities since 1988.

We operate throughout the year, providing weekly therapeutic activities to children and adult with a variety of disabilities. Some of the disabilities include amputations, autism, cerebral palsy, Downs syndrome, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, stroke, traumatic brain injury, learning disabilities, and hearing and visual impairments.

The Program is accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), with NARHA certified instructors and a physical therapist consultant. NARHA was founded in 1969, establishing safety and quality standards for therapeutic riding programs across the United States and Canada. NARHA certified instructors are required to complete annual continuing education courses, CPR certification and first aid training.

Therapeutic Riding is more than just sitting on a horse. The movements and shape, of the horse allows tight, spastic muscles to relax to improve posture and balance. The horse can lend its strength and abilities to the rider. Therapeutic instruction improves eye/hand coordination, spatial relations, and an understanding of direction of varying complexity.

Emotionally and socially, each student interacts with the horse and the many trained volunteers needed to run the program. This gives each student a sense of achievement, self-respect and satisfaction that comes from hard work and determination.

Cost: $250 for 10 consecutive weeks (unless otherwise noted). No refunds without a doctor's excuse. There will only be one make-up lesson given at the end of each session. Riding helmets are required and may be borrowed each week from Valley Riding, Inc. and returned after each class.