MISSION STATEMENT

Dream Riders provides riding therapy to students with such physical and mental disabilities as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, blindness, and Down Syndrome, as well as learning and other developmental challenges. Students range in age from three to seventy-three. Supporting this work is a large group of dedicated volunteers. Some work as "side walkers" for students who need assistance. Others are trained as horse leaders and to assist in "tacking up" the horses for the day's lessons. The reward for performing these vital services is the special friendships that develop with the riders.

DREAM RIDERS, INC.
'Helping others help themselves'

Dream Riders, Inc.
109 McPherson Cemetery Road
Lewisburg, KY 42256

Get in touch with us today
To find out how your loved one can get started!

Make a donation with PayPal- we appreciate it!

Click here to view our slide show

Many people ask how riding and working with horses actually makes a difference in the lives of students with disabilities. Therapeutic Riding activities offer a motivating combination of sensory, cognitive, and emotional stimulation that facilitates mobility, socialization, and independence. The horse's rhythmical swinging movement challenges the rider's whole body to continually respond with natural movements. Tight muscles relax, lax muscles are strengthened, coordination is improved, and circulation increased.

Therapeutic riding helps not only the physically disabled, but mental disabilities as well. Riders learn trust, helping to alleviate depression, anxiety, and self-doubt. Riding gives a sense of self-importance and responsibility.

Dream Riders is dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities through the use of horses. Our goal is to strengthen the minds, bodies and souls of children and adults by providing a recreational outlet that has therapeutic benefits. The responsibility of riding and caring for a horse will encourage self-esteem, confidence along with coordination. The aim of our program is to see positive changes in riders both spiritually and physically.

Therapeutic riding has been used since the early 1950s in Europe as a tool for improving the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. Individuals with almost any cognitive, physical and/or emotional disability can benefit from therapeutic riding, driving, vaulting, competition or other purposeful, safe and supervised interaction with equines.

Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. For individuals with mental or emotional disabilities, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The sense of independence and acceptance found through these actives with the horse benefits all that are involved in this program.

There are many ways you can participate. Volunteers are always needed in many different capacities and sponsors for the riders as well as horses are needed. Horse experience is not always required when helping with Dream Riders.

Dream Riders, Inc. is a true non-profit organization. Our program has NO COST to any individuals that would like to participate in our riding program. We subsist completely on fundraising and donations. OTHER riding programs of this type across the nation can range in price from $45.00 per group lesson to over $500.00 for a 3-week "summer camp". Dream Riders, Inc. does not charge for services.

This site visited: times since January 12, 2008.
Copyright Dream Riders, Inc. 2008. All Rights Reserved. Do not duplicate without permission.

Last Updated February 11,2008

hosting service provided by HorseHobbyist.com

Designed by Moonlight Web Agency