Who is Handi-Riders of Northern California?
Handi-Riders of Northern California Inc. is a 501-C3 non-profit corporation. We invite you to learn more by reading our mission statement, goals, history of or organization, and more important, testimonials from our clients.
Mission
Statement:
To establish, maintain and operate therapeutic horseback riding programs for physically, cognitively and emotionally challenged individuals.
Goals:
Handi-Riders long term goal is to provide a year-round program for the physically, mentally,
and emotionally challenged population of Butte, Glenn and Tehama Counties. Many of our riders
have been in our program since it's beginning and our client population continues to grow each
session. Handi-Riders is committed to providing a therapeutic service dedicated to the success
and joy of riding.
History:
Handi-Riders of Northern California Inc. is a Public Non-profit 501-C3 Organization. Handi-Riders
was started in Butte County in 1981 by a dedicated group of people from the equestrian community,
the Butte County Schools Special Education Department, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals (SPCA), an attorney, a farrier and local veterinarians. These individuals worked
together to provide a unique form of therapeutic activity for children and adults with special
needs - Therapeutic
Horseback Riding.
Handi-Riders is a member and Premier Accredited Operating Center of North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Our program is recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) as an accepted form of therapeutic activity for the physically and mentally challenged.
The beginning Pilot Program of Handi-Riders in 1981 served 15 students from Loma Vista SchooFebruary 24, 2010as many as 80 students per session. We offer Spring and Fall 8-week sessions and Summer Day sessions.
Riding classes are conducted under the direction of our Registered NARHA Instructors with the help of trained volunteers. Each rider may require as many as three to four volunteers to assist them with their riding instruction: one volunteer to handle the horse and two along side to "spot" the rider as well as some students needing backriders to help with balance.
The horses used by Handi-Riders are on lease or donated. They must pass a pre-qualification process to determine acceptability. Once a horse is accepted it is trained to remain calm around crutches, wheelchairs, etc. before caring a rider.
Testimonials:
"I just want to thank you for providing such a wonderful program to special needs children in this
community. It is wonderful that you provide these children with the opportunities that they otherwise
would not be included in.
My children thoroughly enjoy interacting with the horses every week. After each session they cannot talk about anything but their time with the horses and their anticipation about next weeks visit. It is wonderful to see them so excited about a program that is teaching them such valuable skills. Thank you for volunteering your time to make a difference in the lives of special needs children."
-Handi-Riders parent
"My daughter's involvement in the Handi-Riders program has been one of the best resources
and opportunities to encourage her attentiveness, receptive and expressive communication (she
has no spoken words), to work with her physical needs and decrease her self-abusive behavior.
Most importantly, my daughter loves the program.
It is one of the few activities where she will willingly participate. Riding the horse always increases
her vocalization and brings many a smile to her face."
-Handi-Riders parent and volunteer of nine years
"Where others had given up on my now 15-year old son with severe cerebral palsy, the Handi-Riders team brought a bright light to our lives. Even though he doesn't walk or talk and is confined to a wheelchair, Handi-Riders inspired us when they said that it might be possible for him someday to ride alone. As stiff and slumped over as he was when he started three sessions ago, he has come so far. Nothing can stop the smiles, deep pleasure and laughter that comes within him. He absolutely lives for his days at Handi-Riders. It is definitely the very best therapeutic program I have found in 15 years. I have to admit, I held back the tears the day my son rode out of the arena without a backrider! Hats off to Handi-Riders!!"
-From the family of a Handi-Riders rider of one year
"With help, she gets to the top of the ramp. Her horse, Glory, is waiting for her. Helmet on, eyes wide and knees shaking, she mounts and starts her "first ever" horse ride. As we head for the arena, you can see fear and apprehension on her face, but she continues on. By the end of the hour, she is triumphantly smiling and waving to Mom on the sideline. The joy she feels at her accomplishment is second only to the volunteer's joy at watching it all happen. What a feeling for both of us!"
- Handi-Riders volunteer of four years
"There is integrity, commitment and a professional wisdom coupled with a sense of humanity that makes Handi-Riders one of the finest equestrian therapy programs anywhere. There is care and attention that is given each person's needs pairing him or her to the right horse with individualized riding exercises along with the support person(s) needed to attend each rider. Each participant is challenged constantly to do his or her best in a positive, safe environment where the slightest gain is honestly praised and every effort is truly acknowledged and appreciated. The riders contributions, insights, suggestions, ideas are always sought and encouraged along with contributions of others in the program.
How do I know all this? This Spring Session 2002 at 72, I complete my sixth session at Handi-Riders. It's not easy learning to ride a horse. It's some of the hardest work I've ever done! It takes a lot out of me but it gives me the challenge to make even the smallest improvement a real victory. It is one of the best therapy programs I've ever experienced in the 65 years I've worked with professionals over coming and managing my cerebral palsy. Handi-Riders verifies that cerebral palsy does not define me. My zest for life comes from knowing I can contribute to my fullest measure as a person doing all that makes life worth living. I love Handi-Riders and I'll continue as long as they'll let me crawl on a horse!"
- Handi-Riders adult rider of three years