Making a Difference

The Center's Therapeutic Riding program benefits children and adults who have a variety of special needs relating to cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and autism to stroke recovery and learning disabilities. Students ride specially trained horses with our certified instructors in weekly sessions to develop increased balance and muscle control, improve concentration and short-term memory, and enhance their confidence and self-esteem.

See how Therapeutic Riding at Helen Woodward Animal Center is changing the lives of the Ausen family.

Therapeutic Riding News and Notes

Over the next few months, the Therapeutic Program will be profiling the volunteers of a different day of the week. Without our volunteers, our program could not exist, and we are so grateful for their time and dedication!  Last time, we profiled our wonderful Wednesday group.  This round we’ll be highlighting tremendous Thursdays! 

Thursdays has a small but devoted group of volunteers. These ladies provide an immeasurable level of support to the staff and riders. Their personalities mesh wonderfully with the variety of students we have on Thursdays, from the very young to the . . . very adult; from the very independent to new students just learning. They are also very willing to give their time outside of their assigned shift, both within Therapeutic Riding as well as for special events. One of these volunteers even adopted one of our very special equine staff members, when he was ready to move on from lessons.

Coming up next, fantastic Fridays!

The Therapeutic Riding Program would like to acknowledge Terri Eadens of Terri Eadens Equine Retirement, for adopting one of our special equines. Thunder has devoted his life to teaching young riders of all shapes, sizes, and disciplines. When it came time for him to retire, we knew only the most special home would do. Terri stepped forward and Thunder now lives in the luxury of her 20+ acre retirement facility in north-central California. He has settled in wonderfully, and we love the regular reports we get of not just how happy Thunder is, but how happy he has made Terri, as well. Thank you, Terri!

LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED, BUT DON’T HAVE THE TIME? FOSTER A HORSE!