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Helping Horse is Wake County's premier therapeutic riding program founded in 1989. It is a certified nonprofit, wholly volunteer operated organization dependent on the charitable support of locally interested individuals and businesses, including the League.
Helping Horse offers riding instruction to physically, mentally and/or emotionally disabled persons of all ages in Wake County and surrounding areas. Horseback riding pushes the rider physically, emotionally and spiritually, especially the rider with special needs. The strenuous physical demands of riding stimulate the development of strength, endurance, balance, coordination and flexibility. Riding as therapy allows development of physical capabilities in a stimulating, natural environment. The exhilaration of being in tune with an animal so large and strong is empowering for people whose day-to-day dealings with the physical environment are so difficult. Developing a “seat” builds self-confidence and security that extend beyond enhanced enjoyment of the classes to improved emotional well-being generally. The joy of riding provides a recreational and social outlet for riders and their families for whom such opportunities are usually limited.
The program currently enrolls 30 disabled individuals. League volunteers work two hours each Monday night (two teams alternate Mondays) during the class season, which is approximately 35 weeks. Volunteers serve as “side-walkers”—ensuring students’ safety during class time walking alongside and assisting when n ecessary—and as horse leaders. Training in both is provided at the beginning of the class season.
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