RANCHO SANTA FE–Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Therapeutic Riding students will explore the Land of Oz on Saturday, heading Somewhere over the Rainbow to showcase their horseback skills at the 2019 Therapeutic Riding Show.
Every year, the program’s students invite their loved ones and biggest supporters to demonstrate the skills they have learned over the last year.
The inspiring riding show is also an opportunity for parents, family and friends to celebrate with riders as they receive well-deserved ribbons.
Helen Woodward Animal Center’s 2019 Therapeutic Riding Show will take place on June 22 from 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Center’s Therapeutic Riding area, located at 6523 Helen Woodward Way in Rancho Santa Fe.
Since 1983, the Center’s Therapeutic Riding program has welcomed children and adults with a variety of special needs from cerebral palsy, to Down’s syndrome and autism, to stroke recovery and learning disabilities.
With certified instructors on hand, students ride specially-trained horses in weekly sessions to develop increased balance and muscle control, improve concentration and short-term memory, and enhance their confidence and self-esteem.
Therapeutic riding can benefit individuals with a wide range of challenges, including cognitive, physical, social, and emotional or a combination of various special needs. But perhaps one of the most significant results of the program is the unmistakable joy received by its riders.
