RENO, Nev. (COLO) – More kids across Nevada will be outside in 2024, thanks to funding from a new grant program.
Considering expressions like “Hold your horse,” “Don’t talk about your gift horse,” and “Get off your high horse,” it’s as if these giant creatures were meant to share their lives with humans. I can feel it. . This is exactly why Adaptive Riding Center believes horses are the perfect tool to treat a variety of abilities, including ADD, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.
Sarah Brotzman has spent her entire life working with horses. Therefore, it was natural for her to become an instructor at Adaptive Her Riding Center. Horses can be intimidating if she isn’t around them as often as Brotzman, so each lesson begins with breathing exercises before getting into the fun part.
“Horses are not only my favorite animal, but they also have a therapeutic effect. So throughout that service, it’s not only therapeutic for my rider, but therapeutic for me as well,” Brotzman said. I did.
The Adaptive Riding Center recently received support to achieve its mission through the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation Grant Program, thanks to the Nevada Department of Outdoor Recreation. This grant will support the therapeutic riding program in 2024, specifically funding horse care, equipment and supplies, and instructors to teach lessons.
“Spending time outdoors is so important because it helps develop new critical thinking skills,” says Brotzman.
Before the grant, the Adaptive Riding Center could only operate indoors. We have now created an outdoor riding area and can operate year-round.
“Also, due to the time change, if it gets too dark, you can go inside and turn on the lights. If the weather is nice and bright, you can go outside and use the outdoor arena.” Brotzman said.
Each horse costs about $400 per month, and when you add in rent, liability insurance, and supplies, it adds up to a significant amount. For this reason, the facility is operated primarily by volunteer efforts. The more volunteers we have, the more children we can accommodate. These are the people who make all the difference for a rider like Tyler Leary. Tyler’s mother, Lori Leary, told KOLO 8 that her horseback riding helped ease his anxiety.
It’s an activity unique to him. It’s a great conversation starter and something he can tell others about and be proud of. He really likes it when we both hug and breathe together at the end of the lesson. It’s very calming and calming,” Leary said.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can do so through the website.
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