THE PONY CLUB
Welcome to the expansion of our traditional adaptive riding program: The Pony Club. With great thought, we have developed TPC to take our young, motivated clients to the next level in their horsemanship skills.
The Pony Club in a nutshell: for young children ages 4 years to 7 years ready to learn it all! Riders are matched with one of the three Strides ponies. Each will learn how to catch, tie, groom, tack up, round pen unmounted work, and, of course, ride. First 30 minutes will be on the ground and final 30 minutes in saddle.
Qualifications:
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Must be between 4 and 7 years old.
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Must be independent with mobility.
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Must be able to follow simple multi-step commands and maintain focus.
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Must love horses!
The Pony Club lessons are semi-private with a max of two clients per lesson. Each lesson is 60-minutes in length. More info and pricing below.
MORE COMMON QUESTIONS & IMPORANT INFORMATION CLICK HERE.
Adaptive Riding is recreational horseback riding lessons for individuals with various levels of disability - from anxiety to cerebral palsy and everything in between. Clients learn horsemanship and riding skills in an environment tailored to their individual needs and learning styles. We offer instruction to clients of all skill levels, from providing someone's first contact with a horse to advanced independent riders. The goals for those in The Pony Club are riding-skill based, but individuals and parents often report many therapeutic benefits of participation. Studies have also shown significant therapeutic benefits from participating in adaptive riding. These benefits include improvements in physical strength, balance, coordination, mobility, muscle tone, self-confidence, self-control, peer interaction, and social skills.
TPC lessons are overseen by PATH International certified instructors; this team designs each lesson in horsemanship to meet each client's needs. Lesson plans take into account the client's physical, emotional, and mental strengths and limitations. Classes include arena riding, trail rides, and group activities. With the combination of a trusted horse, instructor, and group of volunteers, riders become more willing to try new things and attain new goals. Our Instructors are have completed a comprehensive training program to achieve their Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) credentials as well as yearly continuing education and CPR certification.
How Adaptive Riding Works
A horse's soothing rhythm, strength, warmth, and three-dimensional movement pattern provide healthy exercise. The discipline associated with working with horses and the social interactions between peers benefit the mind and spirit while raising self-esteem and increasing self-sufficiency through accomplishment. The unconditional love of the horses has been proved to reduce anxiety, encourage interaction, and offer a haven where clients can feel a sense of empowerment. Each Strides horse undergoes careful screening to ensure he / she has the appropriate disposition, physical movement, and level of training necessary for adaptive riding.
Who Benefits
Each week, approximately 40 children and adults with disabilities between the ages 2 years and up participate in the many Strides programs. These clients represent numerous diagnoses with most having multiple diagnoses. Common diagnoses include, but are not limited to: autism, developmental delay, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, spina bifida, brain injuries, scoliosis, stroke, rare genetic disorders, cerebral palsy, and down syndrome.
How Old Does A Client Need To Be?
This program is open to 4 years old to 7 years old. Ages 8 years and up are welcome to partake in The Complete Horse Course or traditional adaptive riding.
How Do I Get Signed Up?
Call our Client Coordinator at 509-492-8000 option 1 or email at Hello@StridesTC.org to inquire about availability.
Can I Sign Up For Multiple Sessions?
Yes. As long as your yearly application is signed and submitted and full payment has been received to reserve your session date(s). The Client Coordinator can discuss this further with you.
Is There A Sibling Discount?
Not at this time. Strides strives to keep the lesson rate as low as feasible as we rely heavily on donations from people like you as well as community businesses to help offset the costs of running a nonprofit such as Strides.
Does Insurance Cover Riding Lessons?
No, since it is considered recreational though some Health Savings Accounts may cover the cost. Strides does not accept DSHS / DDA payments at this time. The Client Coordinator can discuss this further with you.
How Do I Sign Up?
Fill out the Client Form (new clients) or Returning Clients (if you are returning from the prior year). Submit your forms to Strides via mail or email.
