S T A B L E P A T H W A Y S
Bunker Park Stable's Special Needs Department

We are pleased to have a NARHA certified instructor on staff as we expand our special needs programming.  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.  (To find out more about NARHA, visit their website: www.narha.org.)

 

... come for the horses ... stay for the riders ...

We are looking for enthusiastic, dependable volunteers (at least 14 years old) to participate in our special needs programming.  You don't need to know anything about horses or people living with disabilities to be part of our team - we will train you!

If you are interested, please read this letter.  If you have more questions contact Patti at (763) 757-9445 or email.

 

We also need volunteers who are available during day time hours.

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. Below are some of the activities we have available:

1. Hayrides and Sleigh Rides. This is a fun group activity that can accommodate many types of people! However, for safety reasons we cannot allow wheelchairs on the rides. For complete information Click Here.

2. Trail Rides. In many cases, we can accommodate those with special needs on our trail rides.  However, we send an extra guide along for an additional charge of $15.00; our staff will determine whether the person can ride independently or if their horse will be led (by a guide on the trail) for them.  Call us if you have questions!

3. Private Lessons. Depending on the student’s ability, they may ride independently or we may have a horse on a lead rope and/or require sidewalkers. Parents/guardians may assist as sidewalkers or we will schedule additional staff to assist. Cost: $35.00/half hour,$45.00/40 minutes, plus $10.00 for each additional staff person required. Contact us with your interest so we can send paperwork (which includes a Medical History and Physician Statement to be completed by applicant's medical provider) to you.

        

4. Group Lessons. Group Lessons will be constructed and overseen by the NARHA certified instructor, with assistance from trained volunteers, up to three per student.  The one-hour time frame includes mounting and dismounting; students may ride in a saddle or on a bareback pad; there may be individual exercises, but we also encourage interaction with fellow students- whatever the class includes, we keep the student's ability in mind, cheering them on and challenging them to accomplish (or at least try!) even more.  The first night of class will be an evaluation to determine the student's appropriateness for therapeutic riding.

2010 Group Lesson Schedule

SORRY, ALL CLASSES ARE FULL
WE HAVE NO OPENINGS REMAINING FOR 2010

Sessions are Six Weeks / Cost per Session $210.00 ($35.00 per week) 

Mondays : 5:00 - 6:00 pm

  • March 8, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12

  • April 19, 26; May 3, 10, 17, 24

  • September 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18

  • October 25; November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Mondays : 6:00 - 7:00 pm

  • September 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11, 18

  • October 25; November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29


Please note:

  • Group Lessons are filled on a first-come/first served basis.

  • Payment in full is due on or before the first class (unless payment arrangements have been made – call me).  There is no fee reduction if you miss a class, but you will not be charged if a class is canceled by us.

  • If you are interested in becoming a new Rider, please contact Patti at (763) 757-9445 or email to receive an information letter and forms for completion.

      

          

5.  Community Outreach.  We have ponies and horses available for community outreach!  We would be happy to bring a pony or a horse for a one-hour visit to your group home, assisted living residence, or retirement community for $35.00 plus a travel fee (based on location).  We can also arrange a pony or horse "meet & greet" type of non-riding experience at our stable in Andover for a charge of $5.00 per person for 20 minutes, minimum of three people.  We know that just being around a horse - performing simple acts like petting or brushing - can bring a sense of calm and overall happiness.  Reservations are required for all activities.

6 . Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) Equestrian Team. Our Special Olympics team, named SOMNthing Special, competes every August at the SOMN State Equestrian Competition. Several of our staff members are certified coaches for the Special Olympics MN and team members train weekly with our certified SOMN coaches and volunteers and compete at the state-wide event. For further information, visit www.specialolympicsminnesota.org.

The Special Olympics Date for 2010 is August 20 - be sure to mark your calendar and join us at this uplifting event! Here are direstions to the Northwest saddle club and the Final Letter for all our athletes.

Our training lessons are full for the 2010 season. If you are interested in being contacted for next year's competition (current athletes are automatically contacted), please send us an email with the athlete's name and address and we will place you on our contact list.


     

   

The pictures above were taken at:

SOMN Equestrian State Competition
Woodloch Stable, Hugo / Friday, August 21, 2009

What a fun day!  Special Olympics at Woodloch this year was filled with athletes from near and far, and of every type - Western, English, Supported, and Independent.  While the morning sky looked ominous, the sun eventually came out and it couldn't have been a more beautiful day.  Thanks to our athletes for their happy, winning smiles (and patience, while they waited for their turn to compete).  And thank you to the coaches, parents, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the day!