The Richmond Therapeutic Equestrian Society provides Therapeutic Riding for people, primarily children and youth with disabilities. We offer several sessions of lessons throughout the calendar year. They are as follows:
- Fall - 10 weeks
- Winter - 10 weeks
- Spring - 10 weeks
- Summer - 4 weeks
- Integrated Summer Camp
Our lessons are ½ hour, semi-private and each rider is assigned a weekly time slot for the full session of lessons. Wherever possible, children are paired according to their level of ability and needs. Registration is on a per session basis and the lessons are offered at a subsidized rate of $30.00 each. Lessons are held during the week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings, as well as Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
Therapeutic riding is suitable and safe for most, but not all disabilities. Applications for the program must be obtained from RTES. Once the application including the Physician’s Referral form is completed and returned, it is reviewed by the Program Director. If riding is deemed an appropriate activity for the individual, the applicant’s family will be contacted to arrange for an Assessment. This assessment is an opportunity for the Program staff and physiotherapist to meet with the rider and their family to determine suitable goals. It also enables us to find the best placement for each child in order to maximize the therapeutic benefits of participation. Once assessed, the applicant is ready to participate in the program when the next suitable opening becomes available.
RTES is a non-profit Society and we rely heavily on community support. The cost of providing the lessons for each child for the year is approximately $5,500. Riding fees cover $1,020.00 of this or approximately 18.5%. The remaining 81.5% of the costs are covered through the fundraising efforts of the Society. For this reason, there is an expectation that the families whose children participate in the program will assist the Society in our fundraising efforts. All families are asked to provide contact information to our Parent Committee. Representatives from the Committee will keep the families up to date with the fundraising efforts of the Society and ask for support and assistance at times. We have several fundraising events during the year for which parents will be asked to help.
Shannon on Dandy
