How did Ridin’ High start?
In 1993, a caring and generous woman, Nancy Eversole,
wanted to share her love for members of the disabled
community and her passion for horses. She began offering
recreational riding at her barn to a handful of riders from
a local Group Home. With just two horses and five riders,
the Ridin’ High dream began to unfold. Just five years
later, a Board of Directors was formed and Ridin’ High
gained its tax-exempt status with the IRS.
Though many changes have occurred since Nancy’s first dream
to see handicapped riders on horseback, the spirit of her
vision guides our growth. She continues to be involved as a
friend and as a member of the Board of Directors. Ridin’
High now leases barn and pasture space on the farm that she
sold in 2004.
Today, Ridin’ High is a growing part-time program that
serves over thirty riders with disabilities, using 12
horses and 50 volunteers.
How
is Ridin’ High funded?
We are fortunate (and grateful!) to have the support of a
generous local community. We have two primary fundraisers
each year: a sanctioned Horse Show in the Spring and an
Annual Championship Rodeo the first weekend in November. In
addition to these major events, we participate in
fundraisers as opportunities arise. We also pursue and
receive donations and grants from local and national
organizations.
Even with the generous financial and volunteer help we
receive, the costs of a program like this are substantial.
Like most other therapeutic riding programs across the
country, our lesson fees only cover about 15% of program
costs. Financial and volunteer support make it possible to
impact these riders’ lives and the lives of their families.
Click on this link, You Can Help, to make a
difference in someone’s life.
Who
can ride?
The minimum age for becoming a Ridin’ High participant is 4
years old. There is no maximum age for participating
in our program. We accept riders with all
disabilities, providing that NARHA (North American Riding
for the Handicapped Association) does not list the
disability as a contraindication to riding and a doctor
signs a release indicating that, in his or her opinion,
riding would be indicated for this person. We also
have a 200 lb weight limit for riders. An initial
evaluation completed by one of our certified instructors is
required before anyone is accepted into our program.
For specific information about our process, please
read more in the “Riding” section of
the website.
What
is a "typical" therapeutic riding session like?
In general, if the riders are physically able to do so,
they will learn to groom and tack the horse (put on the
saddle and bridle). All riders wear ASTM/SEI approved
riding helmets for all equestrian activities. We have a
mounting ramp to make it easier for both the rider and the
horse to achieve a safe mounting of the horse. Lessons,
which are 45 minutes, generally begin with stretching
activities and then progress to activities planned around
the rider's goals. These include such things as: activities
for gross and fine motor control, games to improve
attention, obstacle courses to develop patterning and
memory skills, developmental therapeutic exercises for
balance, control and self-esteem.
When
is Ridin’ High open?
At the present time, we have classes on Mondays and
Tuesdays from April until October. To see our current
calendar, please go to the “Schedule” page of
this site.
Does
insurance pay for therapeutic riding? What about
Hippotherapy?
It's up to the individual insurance company, of course, but
as a general rule, therapeutic riding is not covered by
insurance in the United States. Neither is Hippotherapy
generally covered by insurance; however, a licensed
therapist may be able to bill for it as a regular therapy
session. NARHA also offers a guide to billing insurance for
Hippotherapy.
Where
can I get more information about Therapeutic
Riding?
You can get more information from the North American Riding
for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) website
(www.narha.org) or from one
of the many therapeutic riding home pages and articles
about therapeutic riding on the Internet.
Where
can I go for training to become a therapeutic riding
instructor?
NARHA accredits programs that provide courses in
therapeutic riding instruction. Most of these courses will
give the test for NARHA Instructor Certification upon
completion of the course. To obtain a list of currently
accredited courses, contact NARHA by phone at
1-800-369-RIDE, or by mail: NARHA PO Box 33150, Denver, CO
80233. Some riding centers also provide instructor courses
which are not accredited but do prepare students to take
the registered instructor test from NARHA.
How
can I Volunteer?
Ridin’ High provides training for volunteers. Whether its
helping out in the office, with a fundraiser, or working
directly with our students, you can truly make a
difference! Please read more at this link:
Volunteering to sign up
for our next training session.
Do
you take donated horses?
Yes, we often accept a donated horse. We need different
types of horses at different times so please read more at
this link: Donate A Horse
and feel free
to call us to see the current status of our
needs.
