SPECIAL NEEDS ACTIVITIES

Riding turns “I wish” into “I can.” – Pam Brown

Horseback riding is a therapeutic and challenging activity with a multitude of benefits. It can improve balance, stability, muscle tone, flexibility, core strength, focus, coordination, and confidence. We offer adapted programs so that those with special needs can experience the benefits of horses. Please bear in mind that our first concern is always the safety of the rider and horse, so we reserve the right to modify or discontinue an activity if we deem it unsafe. Please contact us for further information. Below are some of the activities we have available:

1. Hayrides and Sleigh Rides. For safety reasons we cannot allow wheelchairs on the rides. For complete information Click Here.
2. Private Lessons. Depending on the student’s needs, we may have the horse on a lead rope and/or require side walkers. Parents/guardians may assist as side walkers or we will schedule additional staff to assist. Cost: $35/half hour, $10 for each additional staff person required.
3. Special Olympics Minnesota Equestrian Team. We compete every August at the SOMN State Competition hosted at Woodloch Stable in Hugo, MN. Several of our staff members are certified coaches for the MN Special Olympics. We offer the training for and assistance at the competition. For further information, visit www.specialolympicsminnesota.org and contact us for dates and availability.

2008 SOMN Equestrian Competition Summer Training
Beginning June 8th and 9th
Cost: $35/session

Join our team! The SOMN 2008 Equestrian Fall Games will be held on Friday, August 22nd. Training for the competition will begin on Sunday, June 8th at 11:00 AM or noon, or Monday, June 9th at 5:00 PM. Athletes will ride for 35-45 minutes once each week. Eleven weeks of training are offered.

We are full for the 2008 season. If you are interested in being contacted for next year's competition, please send us an email with the athlete's name and address and we will place you on our contact list. We always welcome visitors to observe training or the competition.

A member of our Special Olympics MN Equestrian team
competing in the Working Trail class during the
2006 Fall Games at Woodloch Stable in Hugo, MN.