Registration open for therapeutic horseback riding

Published 8:43 am Monday, July 20, 2015

The Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) is now accepting rider applications for their therapeutic horseback riding six week second summer starting the week of July 27.

TEC serves a variety of individuals, ages three and up, with special needs, including ADD/ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and intellectual, physical and emotional disabilities. Riders often experience increased strength, coordination, improved academic achievement and emotional well-being.

The Summer Session’s includes:

• One to six week session riding

• Lessons in an indoor/

outdoor arena

• Lessons taught by a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor

• Horses that are carefully selected

• Trained volunteers

Lessons are $25 per week and tuition assistance is available for riders with a financial need. Riders must complete a Rider Application and provide a current physical before riding. TEC is located at Stockbridge Equestrian Center, 615 N. M-140 in Watervliet.

Some 2014 stats from TEC:

• 113 people in our community were served last year

• 873 hours of Therapeutic Riding was provided

• 768 hours of community based instruction

For Rider and Volunteer Forms, current Volunteer Trainings or more information visit TEC online at http://www.tecfarm.org/ or contact TEC by email at info@tecfarm.org or by phone at (269) 429-0671.

The Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) is a non-profit that was founded in 2005. TEC provides year-round therapeutic horseback riding as well as other equine assisted activities to individuals with special needs.

TEC collaborates with Blossomland Learning Center, a local school, to provide Saddle STARS, a school based program using horses as a theme. These programs are possible because of TEC’s team of volunteers.