About Whitewater Therapeutic

Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association is a nonprofit organization that provides therapeutic and recreational equine experiences to persons with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities, the elderly and youth-at-risk.

Anyone who has enjoyed the close association of an animal can appreciate the wide range of benefits experienced through horseback riding. In the Whitewater program, clients with a wide range of disabilities, ranging in age from young children to those just young at heart, come together with a professional instructor, and if necessary horse leaders, side-walkers, and very special horses to experience a pleasurable activity. They learn the rules of a sport, the techniques of horsemanship and the methods for controlling their bodies to make the human to horse interaction meaningful. Instructors develop individual goals and related lesson plans that address the capabilities of each rider. The rider's sense of accomplishment and joy in achievement is one measure of success.

Whitewater offers its programs to qualified clients free of charge. Funding for the program is received through donations, fundraising, grants and community use membership to Whitewater's indoor arena.

Benefits Include:

• Development of balance, posture and coordination
• Improved strength, muscle tone, circulatory and respiratory systems
• Increased joint mobility and range of motion
• Independence, integration, sense of achievement
• Increased spatial and body awareness
• Improved language and communication skills
• Increased ability to organize, perform tasks in sequence and improve attention span
• Increased self-confidence and motivation
• Development of skills necessary for independent living
• Increased recreational opportunities
• Increased integration opportunities in community-based activities
• Increased employment readiness
• Lots of fun!

For more information relating to our program, please visit the following sites:

www.narha.org