The mission of the Challenged Champions Equestrian Center, Inc. is to support people with special needs, from early childhood through adult-hood. Opportunities are provided through horseback riding and other horse related activities that promote physical, emotional and mental development. Challenged Champions is a cooperative effort of dedicated individuals that includes trained personnel and community volunteers.
Our Vision
vision text will go here
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Therapeutic Riding?
Who is eligible for the program and how do riders apply?
Where is the program located?
How do we select our program horses?
How can you support Challenged Champions?
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Therapeutic riding has been a recognized therapeutic recreation in the United States since the formation of a national organization, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), in 1969. Therapeutic riding presents unique opportunities for individuals with disabilities by adding a dimension to their lives that extends dreams beyond the confines of their disability.
Research shows that persons with disabilities can experience significant improvements from horseback riding. The most obvious are the physical benefits of improved balance, motor and trunk control, hand-eye coordination, speech, posture and endurance. The horse's three-dimensional gait simulates normal human walking, which is very valuable for individuals with impaired mobility.
Other obvious benefits include increased self-esteem and confidence that result from accomplishing a challenge, demanding task. The emotional bond that develops between the horse and rider is difficult to explain, but easy to see.
Challenged Champions Copyright © 2009. All Rights Reserved. Web Design by Boondox Media