Open Barn Day: Meet Horses Helping Humans in Middletown
April 12, 2019Open Barn Day: Meet Horses Helping Humans in Middletown
Middletown, CT – Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center, a part of Hospital for Special Care, will host an Open Barn Day on Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Located at 874 Millbrook Road, on scenic Daniels Farm in the south end of Middletown, the program offers a variety of year-round equine-assisted programs for children and adults with physical, developmental or emotional challenges. Open barn days provide an opportunity for any member of the community interested in learning more about therapeutic riding, volunteering or who might enjoy meeting one of the eleven horses on staff to learn more about the program.
Manes & Motions activities, including riding lessons and unmounted learning activities, benefit individuals of all ages with a broad range of challenges including autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, stroke or behavioral health issues such as depression or post- traumatic stress.
More than 90 individuals take part in mounted and unmounted activities each week throughout the spring session. Participants build valuable life skills, gain confidence and build core strength, as well as learning how to ride, and care for, the herd of therapy horses. Manes & Motions also has a free program for area veterans scheduled for this summer. Special events, including the program’s Ride & Stride fundraiser at Machimoodus State Park on May 19 provide even more opportunities for involvement.
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center was founded in 1999 and is a PATH International Premier Accredited Center. Indoor and outdoor programs are conducted by certified therapeutic riding instructors and supported by over 150 trained volunteers. For more information please call 860-685-0008 or visit on line at: https://hfsc.org/sports-and-fitness/manes-and-motions/
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center volunteer Wendy is one of more than 150 volunteers that help keep the non-profit program vibrant.