Early Adolescents Environmental Ed. Leadership, Citizenship Leisure Ed. Sharing skills and knowledge is what the 4-H Proud Equestrians Program is all about. Young people and adults who work with them can gain great satisfaction through this therapeutic horseback riding program. With the help of trained and caring volunteers, kids challenged by disabilities can discover their abilities, instead of their disabilities.
Horseback riding helps improve balance, coordination, posture and muscle tone.
Today, this equestrian program reaches out to individuals with disabilities both young and old throughout Michigan, providing opportunities to learn to ride a horse and develop horsemanship skills. Young people and adults who assist riders as needed until the riders develop the skills they need to ride independently. Special certification as a therapeutic riding instructor for handicappers is required. Owners of suitable animals who are willing to loan, lease or donate to their local program are always needed. The dates and times that programs are offered vary according to community needs and resources.