Autism Sensory Riding Trail
Tax deductible
Compassionate Friends Therapeutic Riding Center, located in Medford, NJ and serving the South Jersey community, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing structured horsemanship programs specifically designed to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit for individuals with special needs. Our mission is to strengthen the body, mind, and spirit of each student through Equine Assisted Activity and Therapy programs, while fostering their independence in a safe environment, as well as to increase the quality of life of our student’s family members, volunteers, and the community. We are a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) and are an Equus Foundation Messenger program. In addition, we have achieved GuideStar Silver Certification.CFTRC is requesting this funding to fully pay for the design, installation and implementation of an equine sensory riding trail for the primary benefit of our Autism Spectrum students. A concept founded in the equine therapeutic community, an equine sensory trail is designed to be a rich environment of natural trees, slopes, twist and turns, natural sounds, with a variety of activity stations along the way where a rider can fully engage each of their senses. It’s much like a real trail ride, but in a contained space and with a lot more interaction. Sensory trails incorporate many visual stimulants, as well as stations where a rider might feel various textures as they pass, such as water noodles dangling from above, or hear new sounds, like their horse walking through a gravel pit. They have a proven track record in the enhancement of therapy for autistic students.
Upon completion, CFTRC will have a fully operational sensor trail ready for use by our Autism Spectrum students. This will make us the only riding center in southern New Jersey that we know of to offer this beneficial service. It is a one time expense that will put us well down the path of self-sufficiency and benefit 100% of the Autism Spectrum students that come through our program; but it is more than that. It is a wonderful legacy that will touch the lives of literally thousands of Autistic children.
Organizer
Donations atCFTRC
Organizer
Medford, NJ
Compassionate Friends Therapeutic Riding Center
Beneficiary