RIVER VALLEY RIDERS
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to create a supportive community where people with special needs connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits. Our equine-assisted services include therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving and hippotherapy. We have seen the improvements that are possible and we believe passionately that we make a difference. For children and adults with special needs, River Valley Riders (RVR) provides equine-assisted services that deliver improved physical, cognitive and emotional benefits. Participants gain self-confidence and self-esteem, build strength, improve balance and hand-eye coordination, while forming meaningful relationships. Benefits of RVR noted by riders’ parents: – “Increased self-esteem, bond with animals and increased ability to calm himself.” – “Feels more confident, more willing to try other things.” – “It has helped increase communication skills - he gets excited to talk about riding to others.” Note from carriage driver’s parent – “She feels so special talking about her equestrian activities. So many people have not even rode a horse let alone driven a carriage! I believe it gives her a sense of great accomplishment!” These results tell the story of the value our services. We are making a real impact on these individuals’ lives.
About This Cause
RVR serves the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area and western Wisconsin. Lessons take place from mid-April through early-November. We are proud to say that our services are possible with the help of over 200 caring volunteers who dedicate over 5,000 hours annually! As a team, we work together to enhance the participant’s physical, cognitive and emotional health while building a community of structure and support. Coming together with their combined therapeutic horseback riding experience, in both administration and instruction, Joan Berg, Cheryl Holt and Jennifer Elholm founded River Valley Riders in August 1999. The first lessons were offered in the spring of 2000. The organization began with 18 riders and has grown to serve over 100 riders and carriage drivers annually. Research demonstrates that therapeutic horseback riding can have many benefits. PHYSICAL: Because a horse's gait is similar to the human walk, this three-dimensional movement is transferred from the horse to the rider and helps to strengthen spine and pelvic muscles and improve posture and balance. Additional exercises during lessons help to improve coordination and increase flexibility. COGNITIVE: Lessons incorporate educational activities to improve hand-eye coordination and communication, as well as reading and math skills. EMOTIONAL: Riders develop self-confidence and self-esteem by accomplishing challenges as independently as possible. The instructors and volunteers always interact with the riders with patience and kindness while our horses offer unconditional acceptance.