Making a Difference

The Center's Therapeutic Riding program benefits children and adults who have a variety of special needs relating to cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, and autism to stroke recovery and learning disabilities. Students ride specially trained horses with our certified instructors in weekly sessions to develop increased balance and muscle control, improve concentration and short-term memory, and enhance their confidence and self-esteem.

See how Therapeutic Riding at Helen Woodward Animal Center is changing the lives of the Ausen family.

A very big thank you to the volunteers who helped us move and let us use their vehicles to get the equipment to the new facility: Sarah D., Donna O., Michelle C., Laura H., Barbara B., Cori M., Anita B., Wendy R., Norma G., Mary., Dana D. Sean S., Megan S.,  and Pippa R.  

We would like to extend a gigantic thank you to Mandy Porter and Craig Starr.  Their generosity of time and use of their trailers to haul our horses to Oakridge Farm got all of them over there safely and smoothly.  You have been a absolute pleasure to work with and we will miss watching you ride!  

The therapeutic riding program would like to also give a huge thank you to Dr. Vasquez for donating most of the vaccinations and pharmaceutical supplies that our therapy horses have needed. We also appreciate all the surgical procedures and follow up care on the special cases he has worked on for us.  We are extremely grateful for all of the support he has given our special equines over the last few years. 

LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED, BUT DON’T HAVE THE TIME? FOSTER A HORSE!