Why
enroll in a therapeutic riding program?
Therapeutic
riding offers many mental, social, and physical benefits to the disabled.
It often affords the rider with disabilities the opportunity to participate
in a sport "on an even field" with able-bodied riders. When asked
to describe what they like best about riding, riders with disabilities
often say it's "like being set free" and "empowering." Parents of
riders often report their child has a new-found sense of self esteem and
greater confidence in day-to-day living.
Who
may participate?
Children
and adults with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular
dystrophy, brain injuries, and other physical or mental impairments.
Therapeutic riding is not appropriate for everyone, however. Prior
to enrolling in the program, the rider's primary treatment physician must
approve the therapy. Once an evaluation has been made, the
center will design an individualized therapeutic riding program tailored
to suit the rider and achieve reasonable goals.
How long
are the riding sessions?
Queen of Hearts Riding Center, Inc. has different programs depending
on the needs, abilities and interest of the riders. In most cases,
weekly lessons are about 45 minutes. Some riders are better served
with shorter lessons of about 20 minutes which is usually determined
by the rider's attention span or current physical condition. The
instructor and/or program director will discuss the available options
with the potential rider and parent/caregiver to help determine
the best program for that person. As the rider's skills and abilities
increase, program conditions may be adjusted accordingly.
What
are the center's hours of operation?
The
Center is open Tuesday afternoon from 1:00pm - 6:00pm, and Saturdays
from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Other lesson times may be arranged
depending on instructor availability. Please be aware that
lesson times may vary based on weather conditions.
What
is the cost of the riding program?
Prepaid reservations for an 8-week riding session of 45 minutes
each lesson is $280 ($35/lesson) which guarantees the day and time
for each lesson. Pay-as-you-go lessons are offered on Saturdays
and each 20-minute lesson is $20. Scholarships are sometimes available
to defray the cost of the riding program - ask a staff member for
details. .
How
does a rider get started?
does a rider get started? Please call Queen of Hearts Therapeutic
Riding Center Inc. at 951-734-6300 to make a diagnostic appointment.
You will be asked for preliminary information about the potential
rider such as height, weight, age, primary diagnosis, and any other
contributing factors and special considerations. If there appears
to be no contraindications for enrolling in the program, the potential
rider (or their parent or caretaker) will be given an enrollment
package for completion. The rider will need to have his or her physician
complete and sign a medical release. After the package is completed,
you may make an appointment for the initial evaluation and first
riding session.
Queen
of Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
6405
Dana Avenue
Mira
Loma, California 91752
951-734-6300
EIN
33-0907556
queenofheartsranch@earthlink.net
Last updated May,2006.
