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.
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.
Our COVID-19 Plan for Sports & Recreation activities
The health and safety of our participants, volunteers, interns and staff is our priority. Before deciding to participate in in-person activities, it is important to consider your personal and family health circumstances. If in doubt, you are encouraged to participate virtually.
To participate in in-person activities, review the CKRI SPORTS & REC COVID-19 PREPARDNESS PLAN for safety guidelines and education.
For information and to register
Contact information
Sports and Rec Dept
Phone: 612-775-2280
Phone: 612-775-2280
Fax: 651-241-3393
Fee information
See registration link for fee information.