Therapeutic Riding

"In riding a horse we borrow freedom." ~ Helen Thomson

Therapeutic Horseback Riding is a recreational activity that combines physical activity and cognitive skills while also facilitiating a healthy, safety conscious relationship with and respect for horses in a fun, uplifting way. It improves coordination, enhances communication skills, builds confidence, increases independence and is simply an enjoyable experience! The movement of a horse has been found to improve core strength, flexibility, balance and physical stability, among many other benefits. Being around horses and horseback riding offers therapeutic properties for everyone!

Our Up and Coming Instructor

Chelsea VanRaemdonck is currently a NARHA Registered Instructor in Training.

Her first encounter with therapeutic riding was as a volunteer for a program called "Horse Power" over 13 years ago. These experiences developed a strong desire to help others, particularly those living with disabilities. Since then, she has amassed over one hundred hours as a therapeutic riding volunteer at various therapeutic riding centers in Michigan, working directly with the riders she now instructs. As part of her quest for certification as a therapeutic riding instructor, she also has many hours of student teaching in a variety of settings, teaching students with a variety of physical and cognitive disabilities.

NARHA Registered Instructor certification is a rigorous 6 part training program for hopeful instructors. Chelsea has successfully completed the first 5 parts of her certification, including an NARHA On-Site Workshop, and being judged by a NARHA evaluator (successfully) on her teaching abilities while instructing a group lesson to students with disabilities. She looks forward to completing the final step in her journey through NARHA Instructorship and providing this amazing experience to the people living with disabililties in and around the Genesee County area. Chelsea also holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Michigan-Flint. A commitment to growth and education makes her strive to improve and expand her knowledge and abilities, not only in her own horseback riding endeavors, but in promoting the growth of her students.

RIDERS NEEDED!

We look forward to starting our first therapeutic riding session beginning in late summer/early fall of 2010. Please email Chelsea@vanandsonsfarm.com for more information and for rider applications/waivers!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Do you like to smile, laugh and have a good time? Do you like to help others? Or, do you simply like horses? We have just the position for you!

No experience is necessary, we will train you! Volunteers fill a variety of roles, the two most important are as a side-walker (aiding the rider while walking alongside the horse) and a leader (leading the horse).

Volunteers are the heart of any therapeutic riding program: without your dedication, many riders wouldn't have the opportunity to participate in such an awesome activity! Please email Chelsea@vanandsonsfarm.com for more information!