Therapeutic and recreational horseback riding have been shown to improve balance and coordination, strengthen and develop weak muscles and relax tight, spastic ones. The even cadence and motion that a person experiences in riding a horse can stimulate the normal motions of walking and encourage movement of the rider. Horseback riding also offers unique opportunities for improving the mental, emotional and spiritual health of people with physical, emotional and developmental challenges.

Program participants are offered a full experience of our working farm. Our specially selected andtrained horses need the care and attention of the rider, just as the rider needs them. Our facilities are accessible, volunteers and staff are trained which offer the participant an opportunity to grow.

Goals

Offer programs that strengthen people physically, mentally and spiritually.

Provide a "safe" environment where individuals can have new life experiences

Build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment in individuals who have experienced significant frustration and sense of failure.

Create opportunism for learning personal and social interaction skills that can be transferred to the broader community.

2008 Programs

Special Olympics - Patchwork has enjoyed sending riders to Special Olympics events since our beginning. Area 17 (Cortland, Cayuga and Tompkins County) are very proud of the riders and horses we send to the Sectional and State Games. All riders must be in an active training session (8 weeks) before competition and appropriate paperwork filled out. Riders work on controlling their horses, walking, jogging and trail classes.

Image Enhancement - This active program provides an opportunity for personal development of our riders. Students who have been low academic achievers, physically or emotionally abused, inner-city youth, learning disabled, students from broken homes, and various correctional youth facilities enjoy working with our horses and gaining confidence and well-being while riding.

Therapeutic Recreational Riding Program - Our program focuses on teaching the rider to ride to the best of "their" ability, through the use of specially constructed lessons, special equipment and quiet horses. All riders are given the opportunity to brush and care for their horses before or after the lesson. A wheelchair ramp and mounting block is available for riders that need a little "push" to mount. Horses are selected from the lesson horses that are suitable in width as well as height to ensure riders feel "safe" while riding.

Woman's Healing with Horses Workshops - Our pilot program in the Fall of 2002 met with such success, we have offered this every year after. Women from abused homes, emotionally fragile, drug and alcohol recovery, as well as other illnesses can enjoy two hours a week of quiet time on our well-schooled gentle horses. 2008 starting this May 16th at 6 pm. call .

Programs Opened in May of 2008. Trail Riding, lessons and special groups are invited to call or email.