River Valley Riders

River Valley Riders' mission is to create a supportive community where people with special needs connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits. Our equine-assisted services include therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving. Our services benefit over 150 participants including people with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delay and many other types of disabilities. Over 200 volunteers and 16 horses assist with our programs. Research demonstrates that therapeutic horseback riding can have many benefits. PHYSICAL: Because a horse's gait is similar to the human walk, this three-dimensional movement is transferred from the horse to the rider and helps to strengthen spine and pelvic muscles and improve posture and balance. Additional exercises during lessons help to improve coordination and increase flexibility. COGNITIVE: Lessons incorporate educational activities to improve hand-eye coordination and communication, as well as reading and math skills. EMOTIONAL: Riders develop self-confidence and self-esteem by accomplishing challenges as independently as possible. The instructors and volunteers always interact with the riders with patience and kindness while our horses offer unconditional acceptance.