Summary
Organization name
Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians
other names
RIDE
1993
Tax id (EIN)
84-1163848
Category
Human Services
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
2804 County Rd 250Silt, CO 81652
Garfield County, CO, US
Equine activities can develop self-awareness, build self-confidence and improve concentration and self-discipline. Horses give a disabled person a feeling of freedom and independence. When seated on a horse, the rider is gently and rhythmically moved in a manner that is similar to human walking.
Testimonials
Emma had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy at nine months old. She started receiving therapy through Child Find. Twice a week, her therapist would come to do activities with her. She learned to crawl, then walk, but was becoming shy and, even though she loved her therapists, she didn't want to do the repetitive activities that would strengthen her core. Her parents were at a loss. How to help their shy girl get stronger? When Emma was three, she started at RIDE. This little girl wouldn't even ride a bike. What would she think of a horse? Her parents were amazed at how quickly she took to her first pony, Moonshine! She LOVED coming to RIDE, and even though she was tired afterwards, she always wanted to go again. Emma's confidence and core strength grew exponentially during the summer, and she quickly graduated from riding ponies to horses. By the time she was five, she was showing such an improvement in her coordination that she jumped on her bike and rode it BY HERSELF! Not only did Emma's core strength grow, but her confidence in herself to try new things was beyond their wildest expectations. Emma is now 11, and she still goes to RIDE. She rides Rio now, a beautiful thoroughbred, and to see the connection between the two of them is magical. When Emma faces challenges now, she remembers the lessons of RIDE: patience, honesty, courage, and friendship, and she is not afraid to try. We are proud this program gives this experience to so many other Emma's, both young and old. -Scott and Darlane Evans, Emma's parents
For those of you who do not know Dee and Poke (yes, that is his actual name) Stiers and their immediate family, Stephanie Stiers Hinkley and grandchildren, let me just tell you from the outside looking in what I see. This family gives their hearts and souls to this non-profit. The love of the kids, horses and adults that need a special moment of discovery. I don't know how they do it! They all work full-time jobs in education, and still find the time to make this all come together for all who come. This family has the energy and compassion of many. -Lori Mitchell
Mission
The Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians is a private, nonprofit organization designed to provide equine assisted activities through therapeutic programs to developmentally and physically disabled children and adults and offers equine-facilitated mental health activities. RIDE is a member of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. (PATH Intl.)
Our vision for RIDE is to maintain the steady growth of the program and continue to adapt to the changing needs of our clients.
Background Statement
RIDE has been in operation since 1993. Our community agency partnerships are well-established and strong. Most significant are our partnerships with Veterans/Nursing homes and Garfield School District RE2. We serve Rifle Veteran's Home by having hands-on brushing, walking horses, and riding sessions, both in the arena and down the trail. We organized outdoor get-togethers with E. Dene Moore and picnics for all the family members. Our on-going partnership with the Garfield school system has built great support for our instructors teaching students of all ages who are considered vulnerable or at-risk due to physical or mental disability or trauma.
Media gallery
Organization Data
Silt, CO 81652