Our mission is to assist individuals with special needs
in reaching their full potential through interaction with horses
in reaching their full potential through interaction with horses
SpiritHorse Connections is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Kingsburg, in California's Central Valley, with a drive to impact those in our community with various abilities and needs. We provide therapeutic riding lessons for individuals of various abilities, and we are continually amazed with the connection that is often made between a horse and its rider. The impact these programs and the horses have on our riders is truly amazing. Our award-winning program was developed by SpiritHorse International in Corinth, Texas.
Our therapeutic riding lessons serve:
Why choose therapeutic riding?
The movement of the horse stimulates the rider's vestibular system as it responds to balance signals, which then sends the signals through the nervous system to the muscles for movement. This system not only controls the muscles for balance, but all voluntary and involuntary movement of the body. These movements include those effecting speech, walking, sitting up, balance recovery, and many other gross and fine motor skills - strengthening both mind and body.
Using SpiritHorse Methods, we have seen:
Our therapeutic riding lessons serve:
- People with disabilities (Including, but not limited to those with Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, Traumatic Brain Injury, Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Autism, Muscular Dystrophy, Speech Delay, Vision Impairment, Hearing Impairment)
- At-Risk Youth
- Veterans wounded at war and with PTSD (Horses for Heroes)
- Children who are victims of abuse/violence
- Children who are terminally ill
- Women who are victims of domestic violence
Why choose therapeutic riding?
The movement of the horse stimulates the rider's vestibular system as it responds to balance signals, which then sends the signals through the nervous system to the muscles for movement. This system not only controls the muscles for balance, but all voluntary and involuntary movement of the body. These movements include those effecting speech, walking, sitting up, balance recovery, and many other gross and fine motor skills - strengthening both mind and body.
Using SpiritHorse Methods, we have seen:
- Children speak their first word on a horse.
- Children walk for the first time to reach their horse.
- Children sit up for the first time on a their horse.
We do all we can to keep our program at low- or no-cost to the families we serve. We NEVER turn a rider away due to the inability to pay for services. For the current semester (Fall 2024) we have 26 riders in our therapy program that are in need of full or partial sponsorships. Please partner with us to sponsor a rider by donating below!