What can make a difference in the life of a person with disabilites?
A horse, of course!
What is Therapeutic Riding?
Therapeutic riding is an activity that provides physical, emotional, and
social enrichment to children and adults with physical and/or mental
disabilities. The therapeutic effects of horseback riding have been
documented for centuries, but the idea began to attract attention from the
medical community in 1952 when Denmark's Liz Hartel won an Olympic Silver
Medal in Dressage despite having partial paralysis from polio. Today, more
than 30,000 children and adults enjoy the benefits of therapeutic horseback
riding. The rhythmic action of the horses' gaits relaxes and strengthens
riders' muscles and improves body tone, posture, balance, joint mobility, and
coordination. Sitting proudly on the back of a friendly horse, riders
experience the thrill of independence for perhaps the first time in their
lives.
Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program
Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program (CTRP) is the realization of a dream
of parents, professionals, and caring people in our community. We began
offering our services in 1999, at Castle Stables, in Castle Hayne, NC. We are
a non-profit organization, dependent on membership donations, client fees,
grant money, and fundraisers to continue to provide a quality horseback
therapy program. We welcome Exceptional Children's classes from all schools
for class visits. Our biggest fundraiser is the annual Barnyard Bash, held at
Poplar Grove Plantation in the fall. We rely on our many wonderful volunteers
for the riding program as well as fundraising activities.
We are a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped
Association, NARHA. Our instructor is Debi Mastrangelo, who is certified by
NARHA. To learn more about therapeutic riding, visit the NARHA website at:
www.narha.orgCTRP NEEDS YOU!
CTRP needs the support of the community to help provide top-notch therapy
and love of horsemanship for as many riders as possible.
How Can You Help?
- Spread the Word!
Tell others about therapeutic riding and CTRP.
- Volunteer
We need enthusiastic individuals to work with our horses and riders. No
experience with horses is required! We will happily train those who want to
learn basic horsemanship and share the joy of helping students learn to ride.
We also need help with our various fundraisers, as well as dedicated board
members.
- Become a member. Your tax-deductible donation will make a difference.
Funds will be used to purchase equipment and supplies. The center has a
variety of needs including safety helmets, specialized saddles, bridles,
grooming tools, and of course, supplies to keep our horses happy and healthy.
- Sponsor a Rider We need individuals, civic groups, sororities,
fraternities, and church groups to sponsor riders. The cost to sponsor a
rider is $25 per lesson. Most riders ride weekly, and our sessions are about
eight weeks long, weather permitting.
To volunteer or for more information about CTRP, call Lisa Hartman at
254-0037 or our phone at the barn 675-9800 and leave a message. E-mails may
be sent to
CTRPNews@cs.com.
