Horseback Riding for Disabled Riders

Photo Courtesy of Spirt Farm

For some individuals who are confined to a wheelchair, experienced an injury, mentally disabled, or has special needs.  Horseback riding has been providing therapy to such individuals for several years.  Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida has served over 120 children and adult riders in Broward and Palm Beach County.  Their mission is to provide therapeutic riding and equine-assited activities for the handicapped so that they may improve physically, mentally, and emotionally.  

This organization hits close to home because my mother is involved in a riding association in Viera, Fl.  She started riding and volunteering at Harmony Farms about four years ago and it has helped her immensely.  Horseback riding has always been one of her favorite activities to do, but it was always difficult for her without help.  Disabled riding has improved her quality of life, balance, and love for horses.  

Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida provides disabled riders the opportunity to achieve goals, building self-confidence, self-awareness, and the enjoyment of riding horses.  This program offers people with special needs recreational therapy and an interaction with the world around them.  Along with fulfilling an ability that they thought they never had.  Employees and volunteers work hard to make sure the program offers pure enjoyment to all individuals.

This program is offered at Tradewinds Park, 3600 West Sample Road, Coconut Creek, Fl.