Mission Statement:  Stable Pathways is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit private operating foundation organized in 2010 by Bunker Park Stable to bring horses and people together in a guided and safe environment; to benefit the mind, body and soul through the quiet strength and gentle presence of horses.

In 2009, we began Stable Pathways therapeutic horseback riding for people living with physical and cognitive challenges.  We offer adapted programs so they can experience the benefits of horses - because horses are amazing therapy partners!  The movement of the horse can improve a rider's balance, stability, muscle tone, flexibility, core strength, focus, coordination, and confidence.

Parents have told us their riders made gains that impacted their daily lives after participating in therapeutic riding - including:

• improved balance to ride a bicycle
• improved strength and coordination for swimming
• increased confidence - because they can ride a horse
• showing signs of sensitivity and nurturing for animals and people
  
  
  

SUPPORT OUR PROGRAM by purchasing a Stable Pathways t-shirt! Just $15! We have a variety of colors and sizes available - you don't have to be a rider or a volunteer in our program to purchase one ... and net proceeds go directly to defray lesson and/or horse expenses.

What we offer ...

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.

1. Ongoing Private Lessons. Depending on the rider’s abilities, they may ride independently or we may have a horse with a leader and/or require sidewalkers. This is a regular weekly commitment.  Contact us with your interest so we can send paperwork (which includes a Physician Statement to be completed by rider's medical provider). Private Lessons are available all year.  The cost for a 30 minute Private Lesson is $40.00; a 40 minute Private Lesson is $50.00.

2 . Single Private Lessons. As with Ongoing Private Lessons, the rider may be independent or will be hand-led without or with sidewalkers, as needed. Call if you are interested in having your rider come out once or now-and-then. Single Private Lessons are scheduled based on instructor and/or volunteer/staff availability.  Parents/guardians may assist as sidewalkers, provided they sign a liability waiver.  Rider liability waiver includes hold harmless language based on unknown medical issues and without written physician approval to ride. Private Lessons are available all year.  The cost for a 30 minute Private Lesson is $40.00; a 40 minute Private Lesson is $50.00.


     

3. Group Lessons. Group Lessons will be constructed and overseen by the PATH International certified instructor, with assistance from trained volunteers, up to three per rider.  The time includes mounting and dismounting; riders may ride in a saddle or on a bareback pad; there may be individual exercises, but we also encourage interaction with fellow riders.  Whatever the class includes, we keep the rider's abilities in mind, cheering them on and challenging them to try for more.   (What is PATH?)

2012 Group Lessons

Spring 1, Mondays:  March 12 - April 16
Spring 2, Mondays: April 23 - June 4
Fall 1, Mondays: September 10 - October 15
Fall 1, Mondays: October 22 - November 26

We have more events planned for the year! Check out our 2012 Calendar: please click here to read or print for your records.

The six week Session cost for Group Lessons is $240.00.

General Information :

• Group Lessons are filled on a first-come/first served basis, upon receipt of all completed Registration Paperwork, which includes (1) Rider Application; (2) Emergency Authorization and Photo Release; and (3) Physician Statement.  The Physician Statement must be completed by the rider's medical provider.
  
  
• Paperwork for returning riders will be sent out in January; prospective new rider paperwork will be sent out in February. Classes fill quickly for the entire year - do not delay in sending paperwork even if your desired Session is later in the season.
  
  
• New riders will be required to come in for a Screening to evaluate appropriateness for therapeutic horseback riding. There is a Screening Fee of $35.00 and it will take approximately 1/2 hour; it may or may not include getting on a horse.  The Screening will be scheduled once the Registration Paperwork has been completed and submitted.
  
  
• Payment in full is due on or before the first class (unless payment arrangements have been made).  There is no fee reduction if you miss a class, but you will not be charged if a class is cancelled by us.  We do not do any third-party billing - class fees are your responsibility.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
  

by the way ... Group Lessons need volunteers ...

We are looking for enthusiastic, dependable volunteers (at least 15 years old) to participate in our special education programs.  You don't need to know anything about horses or people living with disabilities to be part of our team - we will train you! 

We request that if you volunteer, you make the commitment and attend each week; our riders depend on you!   If you are in high school, please think carefully about school activities and/or commitments if you are considering signing up to volunteer.  Thanks!

Volunteers must be willing to undergo a background check.   If you are interested in volunteering, please read this letter.  If you have more questions contact Patti at (763) 757-9445 or email.

4. 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.

5. Trail Rides. In many cases, we can accommodate those with special needs on our trail rides.  However, we may send along an additional staff person (for an added fee).  Our staff will determine whether the person can ride independently or if their horse will be led (by our guide on the trail).  Call us if you have questions!

6.  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 $50.00 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.

7 . 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.

If you are interested in being contacted for the 2012 competition (current athletes are automatically contacted), please send Sarah 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
August 2011

Another fun experience!  Special Olympics was filled with athletes from near and far, and of every type - Western, English, Supported, and Independent.  Thanks to our athletes for their happy, winning smiles and hard work.  Thank you to the coaches, parents, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the day!