PLUMSTED — Two special siblings can ride for the price of one at Reindancer Therapeutic Riding Center, New Egypt.
With the help of a $4,000 grant from the Equus Foundation for horse charities, Reindancer is able to offer free therapeutic horseback riding lessons to a special needs/disabled child when a disabled sibling signs up for lessons at the regular rate, according to a press release.
“We know so many families where special needs impact not one, but two children,” said Pam Clyne, a licensed clinical social worker and Reindancer executive director. “This grant allows parents to introduce both siblings to therapeutic riding, and hopefully see double the benefits.”
Clyne estimates that the grant will pay for 100 riding lessons.
According to the press release, therapeutic horseback riding offers multiple benefits, including improvement in posture and muscle strength, speech and communication, focus, patience, and discipline. Students bond with their equine partner while gaining a sense of independence and accomplishment. Most importantly, it is fun.
Reindancer, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, offers therapeutic services to families and schools and is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemen International. Reindancer offers able-bodied lessons, but the grant program is limited to therapeutic riding.
Families interested in the free lesson opportunity should contact Reindancer at 609- 752-0900. The program will run in 10-week cycles until the grant has been exhausted.
Reindancer Therapeutic Riding Center is at 31 Archertown Road in the New Egypt section of Plumsted. For more information, visit www.reindancer.org.