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.

Over the next few months, the Therapeutic Program will be profiling the volunteers of a different day of the week. Without our volunteers, our program could not exist, and we are so grateful for their time and dedication!  Our first profile will be of our Tuesday volunteer group.

We love all our volunteers, and they are all terrific, but our Tuesday group of ladies have a special spark and cohesiveness all their own.  Supportive of not just students and staff, but each other, the Tuesday group never lets a birthday or other special occasion go unrecognized.  Incredibly giving, during a recent backpack drive at the Center, the Tuesday ladies donated more school supplies than all other departments combined!  They also make sure there is an endless supply of carrots for our hardworking horses.

Their outgoing natures and positive attitudes are a wonderful start to our week at the Therapeutic Riding Program.  So, thank you, Anita, Norma, Sandy, Wendi, Bettina, and Joanne, for all you do for the horses, students, and staff!

Next month, wonderful Wednesdays!

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!