Equipment: Help Horses Help People

I am writing to share with you one of our stories from High&Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center.  For those of you who do not know us, we work with people with special needs, using the unique qualities of our horses(intuition, movement, communication skills and their big hearts) to achieve all kinds of wonderful outcomes. Most of our participants are able to walk with some assistance. It has come to our attention there is a  population group(somewhat hidden) who we are not able to serve. A group needing more adaptive equipment and ultimately a lift to assist in mounting the horse or transferring to our adaptive carriage.  These are people who like to get out, be outdoors, do things like ride horses, and have fun.
Let me tell you about Nick.  He was recently adopted by a wonderful man who brought Nick to us. His dad was looking for activities his son could enjoy while meeting new friends, being with the horses and benefiting from the therapeutic movement of riding. He and Nick drive for almost an hour to be at the barn. Nick can understand us but has very little expressive (verbal) language.  However, when you see Nick riding or feeding treats to the horses from his wheel chair, he could not be more expressive.  We are riding him by the sheer will power of our volunteers and instructors.  We could do it in a more dignified and independent manner,  if we had an adaptive saddle and a lift that could power him onto the horse  (yes, the horses do get used to the lift and it is easier on their backs). We ride other riders who are transferred from wheelchair to horse.  When they are young this is easier but as they grow, it becomes more challenging. How can we tell them we can no longer safely ride them?  How can we say no to those who are too big for us to safely lift onto the saddle or cannot sit safely on our regular saddles?

Spring is just around the corner.  We have riders, like Nick who are looking forward to being part of our herd. We must serve them.  We want to serve them.  With your help we can continue to make dreams come true. Please  join our mission to offer more programs to those who are underserved.
Help us to purchase an adaptive saddle and lift!!

Gratefully,   HIgh&Mighty