Therapeutic Riding Program
Where people and animals join together.
Therapeutic horseback riding (also known as equine-assisted activity or adaptive riding) is used to teach riding skills to people with disabilities. Therapeutic riding si beneficial for children and adults who present with any of a wider range of cognitive, physical and emotional conditions. Therapy riding has been arond since the ancient Greeks, though the first study was by a French physician, Cassaign, in 1875. In 1969 North American Riding for the handicapped Association (NARHA) was founded. In 1969 NARHA had one center, the Cheff Center, which was established in Michigan. Now NARHA has grown with over 3,500 certified instructors and 800 member centers around the globe. More than 6,500 NARHA members help more than 42,000 children and adults with physical, mental and emotional challenges find strength and independence through the power of the horse each year.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
A comment from the mother of an adult daughter with autism:
We're constantly on the lookout for activities that will help keep our 21-year-old daughter with autism, Julie, challenged and happy.
Julie just started in a new therapeutic riding (TR) program in the John's Creek / Alpharetta / Suwanee area at White Dog Farm. She loves riding more than any other activity on her schedule!
Shannon Toll, who runs the TR program, has a great personality and a warm, calming demeanor. She really loves the kids, the horses, and the therapy she does. Shannon is NARHA certified (North America Riding for the Handicapped Assoc - www.narha.org) in TR and has a degree in early childhood education.
If you're interested in TR, you can call: Shannon Toll (770-235-9763) smtoll2004@gmail.com or Anna Hyde (770-889-7373) at White Dog Farm. They also offer lessons to typical kids, as well as birthday parties, camp, and Girl Scout, Brownie and Cub Scout outings.
Rhonda Levan
Lessons are $55 pay as you go or $200 for a set of four lessons.
