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Salmon, ID – People often think teaching someone to ride a horse is a simple process, hand them the reins, tell them to kick it to go, tug the reins left or right to turn and pull back to stop. However, there is much more to the process if the rider is to have a [...]

Salmon, ID - People often think teaching someone to ride a horse is a simple process, hand them the reins, tell them to kick it to go, tug the reins left or right to turn and pull back to stop. However, there is much more to the process if the rider is to have a safe, fun and educational experience, especially if the rider has special needs. While most riding instructors spend years honing their horsemanship and teaching skills, there are certain skills they need to know when working with special needs riders. Which is why Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association complies with NARHA, (formally called North American Riding for the Handicapped Association), standards related to therapeutic riding or equine assisted activities. The standards apply to the facility, horses, administration, volunteers and specifically to the training and certification of instructors. WTRRA requires therapeutic riding instructors to hold one level of NARHA certification. Corrie Schilling, Advanced NARHA instructor, from Missoula has provided several local workshops for local instructors in training. Mary Cerise, Judy Barkely, Tami Sager, Susan Dudasik, and Jeff Cooper from Salmon, and Shari Montana of Missoula, attended the most recent workshop. Terry Myers and Joyce Scott, NARHA certified instructors, assisted Ms. Schilling. Tess and Erin Hurley, Angie Hurley and Getta Bradley participated as riders and volunteers during the practice lessons. To achieve certification individuals must pass two on-line examinations related to facility standards, disabilities, equine knowledge and riding instruction. Following the completion of the pre-requisite training and testing, (typically 6 months to one year) the candidate attends a 2-1/2 day on-site workshop and certification clinic held at a NARHA Premier Accredited Center where they receive additional training and complete the certification process. Candidates teach a therapeutic riding class demonstrating their knowledge of safety, mounting procedures, volunteer management, development and implementation of lesson plan. Candidates must pass that component as well as an evaluation of their riding skills. The certification process is expensive. WTRRA has received several grants dedicated to assisting the candidates financially. Once certified instructors are available locally, WTRRA will begin accepting referrals for therapeutic riding programs. WTRRA has applied to re-establish the organizations NARHA Premier Center Accredited Status. This entails an on-site evaluation by NARHA visitors, which should occur in early summer 2010. This accreditation will enable WTRRA to offer the on-site instructor workshops and certification clinics locally drawing candidates from throughout Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho. Through this process instructor, certification will be more easily accessible to local candidates, increasing the number and types of equine assisted activities offered in Lemhi County.

A handshake is often the introduction to a performer. For Karine Aigner, Senior Photo Editor with National Geographic Kids Magazine, meeting this Salmon celebrity was a pat to Tater Tot’s head. This equine star is a miniature horse that has been touching the hearts of Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational riders and the residents of Lemhi [...]

A handshake is often the introduction to a performer. For Karine Aigner, Senior Photo Editor with National Geographic Kids Magazine, meeting this Salmon celebrity was a pat to Tater Tot’s head. This equine star is a miniature horse that has been touching the hearts of Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational riders and the residents of Lemhi County for around fourteen years. It all began when Kitson Flynn, Freelance Equine Journalist, sent out a call for story ideas for National Geographic Kid’s Magazine. Susan Dudask, an Equine Journalist in Salmon, told Kitson about Tater Tot. Kitson approached her editor. The story was accepted and Karine Aigner arrived in Salmon. At the Child Development Center, she photographed children grooming Tater Tot. Later in the day, Karine took pictures while Jane Burke, Tater Tot’s handler and friend, led our equine physician on his rounds. Tender moments glowed for the residents at the Discovery Care Center. “Tater Tot is the best thing that has happened for the Discovery Care Center,” said Steve Lish,  Administrator at the Discovery Care Center. Thanks to the Care Center Tater Tot now walks the hallways in the comfort of new red tennis shoes. As the camera shutter closes; each picture captures Tater Tot’s enduring gift of unconditional love. Tater Tot will be featured in the May 2010 edition of National Geographic Kids.

(Recorder Herald article) Idaho Parents Unlimited recognized Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association as the 1999 Outstanding Organization. An association of parents of children and adults with special needs, Idaho Parents Unlimited accepts nominations from throughout the state for the professional, parent and agency that have demonstrated excellence in pursuing and-or obtaining an improved quality [...]

(Recorder Herald article) Idaho Parents Unlimited recognized Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association as the 1999 Outstanding Organization. An association of parents of children and adults with special needs, Idaho Parents Unlimited accepts nominations from throughout the state for the professional, parent and agency that have demonstrated excellence in pursuing and-or obtaining an improved quality of life for persons with disabilities. Kathy Heald nominated the Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association and was notified in early September that the Salmon therapeutic riding program had been selected from a strong field of nominations.  Heald explained why she nominated WTRRA for this award.  As a rider with Multiple Sclerosis in the Whitewater Therapeutic Riding program and a parent of a child with special needs, Heald told how riding has helped her physically, and has also been an activity that her son anxiously looks forward to. Heald also told of the dedication and commitment by Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association volunteers and the growth that the organization has experienced since their start in 1994. The crowd attending the award luncheon held in Boise, enjoyed her talk and applauded enthusiastically when Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association representatives, Joyce Scott, Program Director, Gayle McCampbell, Program Occupational Therapist and Terry Myers, Executive Director were presented the award.