THE RIGHT STEP, INC

To Better the Lives of People With Disabilities Through the Healing Power of Horses.

Therapeutic riding provides many benefits to people with disabilities. At the most basic level, it is an accessible form of outdoor recreation. Research shows that equine-assisted learning has physical, emotional and cognitive benefits for participants.

Horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, so riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength.

The Right Step has been providing therapeutic riding and equine assisted activities since 2008 for children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral and learning disabilities, though the majority of our clients are on the Autism Spectrum. The Right Step is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center. As a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center We Offer private and group lessons with PATH Certified instructors teaching each lesson, assisted by 3-4 trained volunteers to support each client during lessons.

The Right Step also has a Ground Based Program which offers a fun way to learn horsemanship for people of all ages with special needs! Activities are tailored to age and ability.

Clients will:
• Groom a horse.
• Identify parts of a horse and tack.
• Learn what a horse is saying with its ears, tail, eyes and body.
• Learn how much a horse weighs.
• Learn what it takes to care for a horse.
• Learn what a horse eats.
• Talk to a farrier, trainer, veterinarian, and dentist.
• And much more.

We host bi-annual horse shows for lead line and independent riders. This gives our clients opportunities to showcase new skills and mark their accomplishments.

As a Premier Center, professional staff and volunteers work closely with riders to ensure safe riding sessions. A new rider is generally assisted by at least two side walkers who walk alongside the horse, as well as a horse leader. Riding classes are taught by instructors who have strong equine backgrounds, and understand various disabilities.

The Right Step currently stables four horses.

The Right Step is committed to providing the healing power of horses to all who would benefit. Our goal is to never turn away a client because of an inability to pay. As a non-profit organization, we are able to fulfill this goal through donations to our scholarship fund. Scholarships are awarded based strictly on need.

Participants discover new skills, develop supportive relationships with staff and horses and find respite
from the daily challenges that has become part of their changed lives. Qualified staff selects a horse for each rider from specialized mounts. ranging from ponies to retired champions and each brings their unique insight to the riding experience. Riders of all abilities are accommodated. The Right Step team assists with mounting, balance, stretching, strength building, communication and riding instructions with exceptional attention to safety throughout each riding experience. The fun, well it comes naturally.