Proposal

Adaptive Riding: Walk alongside a horse and rider

Community partner: Trinity Equestrian Center

Supervisor: Denna Grangaard

Beginning date:
2025-10-01

Ending Date:
2026-05-29

Project Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer Volunteers/students walk alongside a horse and rider to give the rider physical stability and verbal encouragement. Riders are youth who have a unique physical or mental health diagnosis such as multiple sclerosis, autism, anxiety or depression. Learn more about therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, and connecting with people with varying abilities.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer Our licensed therapists, equine specialists and a herd of over 20 horses, transform struggles into strengths for youth and survivors of trauma. We change lives through connection!

3.

What skills are required for this project?

Answer No horse experience required. Training offered! Volunteers must be able to: • Walk for 50 minutes in deep sand, and jog/run for short periods of time • Lift 50lbs • Pass a background check and be at least 18 years of age • Keep an arm extended from their side for 50 minutes • Contribute to a healthy and safe therapeutic environment • Be a reliable, consistent contributor • Follow directions, be flexible and responsive to changes in schedules, be patient, kind, and caring

4.

What are the learning objectives for this project

Answer Students will: • Gain an understanding of the horse-human connection and the benefit of adaptive riding. • Gain comfort in relating to others with special needs. • Experience the benefit of encouraging others and see progress in their rider. • Learn individual roles and responsibilities within the team. • Practice healthy boundaries, self-awareness, and situational awareness.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer Students choose at least one session, weekly. Tuesday or Thursday. 4pm or 5pm. Schedule one-month at a time. *Students who choose 2 sessions a week rarely have trouble fulfilling their required hours. Expect some classes to be canceled due to weather, illness, holidays, etc!!

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer We are located in south west Eau Claire. There is no bus stop nearby. Attend orientation before participating. Our indoor riding arena is not air conditioned and might be as cold as 40 degrees in the winter. Closed-toe shoes are required. Expect to walk on deep sand, concrete, and some outdoors.

UWEC

UWEC

Proposal

Adaptive Riding: Walk alongside a horse and rider

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UWEC

UWEC

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Proposal

Adaptive Riding: Walk alongside a horse and rider

Project Proposal Description

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