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Horseback Riding, adaptive - Courage Kenny Riders

Giddy-up to this fun and friendly horseback riding program for children and youth with disabilities! Classes are 45 min in length and are held at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo. Sessions are held May - September.

 Update: Summer 2023 sessions are currently on hold. If you would like to be notified when this program starts again, please join our mailing list and select Horseback Riding as an interest.   

Permission from the participant's parent or guardian is required, along with written permission from the participant's doctor.

Volunteer horses are needed for this program. Each horse is vetted by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor prior to participation. If you have a horse that you think may be appropriate, please contact CKRI Volunteer Services at 612-775-2727.

Learn more

What it is

Courage Kenny Riders is an adaptive horseback riding program. Riding is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial forms of recreational therapy for people with disabilities.

Riding develops self-awareness, builds confidence and improves concentration and self-discipline. It also relaxes, strengthens and tones muscles; increases joint mobility; and improves posture, balance and coordination.

Riding is especially beneficial to people who use wheelchairs because the motion of horseback riding produces hip and back action that perfectly simulates a human’s walking gait.

Who it is for

This class is for children and youth with disabilities, ages 5-21.

Please note that our program's maximum rider weight is 180 lbs.

What to expect

We schedule individual evaluations for new riders before lessons begin. Participants will be placed in a class based on needs, age and experience.

Good to know

Riding prompts many participants to gain new incentives for learning through interaction with horses. You can gain a sense of freedom and awareness of your body that cannot be duplicated in conventional therapy. 

Update: Summer 2023 sessions are currently on hold. If you would like to be notified when this program starts again, please join our mailing list and select Horseback Riding as an interest. 

 

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For information and to register

612-775-2277

Contact information

Courage Kenny Sports and Recreation Department
Phone: 612-775-2277
Fax: 651-241-3393
ckrisportsrecreation@allina.com

Fee information

See registration link for fee information.

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