About the Nonprofit
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Since 1978, the Special Ability Riding Institute (now SARI Therapeutic Riding) has provided equine programming for children and adults with disabilities in London and surrounding area. We have grown from a backyard project into a provincially recognized and reputable leader in para-equestrian activities and programming.
In order to participate in the SARI program, applicants must be referred by a physician who carefully studies their diagnosis/diagnoses before outlining the potential benefits. Next, the applicant is assessed by our team of Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist, alongside our skilled and certified instructors. During the intake assessment, care is given to setting specific and achievable goals uniquely designed to match the participant's abilities; we ensure that ability is always at the forefront of our planning and that what someone is ABLE to do, has value. Once an applicant begins their programming experience, the results are limitless!
We currently offer six programs, utilized by over 200 participants with disabilities every year. In addition to our active participants, we have a waitlist that ranges from 55-70 applicants who have been referred by a physician to receive our services; our full program and growing waitlist demonstrate a substantial need within our community for our unique programming initiatives. They are:
THERAPEUTIC RIDING - Our largest and most popular program offering is our Therapeutic Riding program where participants mount our horses for 30-60 minute lessons. Each riding experience is carefully designed to work toward the rider's identified goal areas, of physical activity, communication, social skills and independence. The benefits of riding a horse are bountiful. For example, the movement of the horse's pelvis stimulates a normal pelvic walking pattern in the rider. For a child who uses a wheelchair, this walking pattern is the closest thing to natural movement that can be replicated; they will not experience this movement in a swimming pool, in a physiotherapy session, etc. Riders are carefully matched to a horse with unique movement, temperament, size and even equipment that is best suited to maximize the rider's potential.
GROOMING - For those who are unable to sit astride a horse, or who are too fearful and would prefer to work alongside the animal, we offer our Grooming Program. Participants will enjoy learning to care for their assigned horse including brushing their hair, picking their hooves, leading them to and from their stall, around stimulating and fun obstacle courses, and more! The grooming program's focus on social interaction is a highlight; participants often work together with a focus on teamwork and friendship.
*ON HOLD* DRIVING - For those who cannot safely sit astride a horse, or are unable/uninterested in the social impact of grooming, we have the Driving Program. These participants have a need for speed as they sit behind one or two powerful Miniature Horses in a wagon. They navigate obstacle courses in the indoor arena but also go on adventures around the property to experience all the outdoors has to offer. One participant is physically unable to walk, sit, stand or talk and lights up with delight to feel the sunshine dancing on his face as the ponies pull the cart down our tree tunnel! Driving is a unique sensory experience for all who enjoy it.
LITTLE BRITCHES - A pony club for children aged 4-12 who meet one Sunday per month for farm-discovery themed activities! What makes this program special is it's inclusive nature; children with and without special needs are welcome. Parents appreciate that SARI is one of the only places in the area that allows siblings without disabilities to attend; it provides a unique opportunity for respite for families, not to mention all the fun the kids have!
SUMMER CAMP - An inclusive day camp run throughout the summer months for children aged 6-18. Campers enjoy a riding lesson, crafts, horsemanship lessons, guest speakers, games, songs, scavenger hunts, field trips and more! This is another integrated program with a big emphasis on inclusion among campers; staff work hard to adapt activities while engaging all children in de-stigmatizing disability and seeing every person's unique ability!
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY & PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES - This is a program reserved for more intensive treatments using Hippotherapy (horseback riding) as a modality of treatment. We are proud to offer this program to those selected at as early ages as possible; early intervention is paramount to success on the horse. Participants typically require a private session, with carefully selected volunteers and horses, and typically have more challenging physical or behaviour goals to achieve. Participants enjoy "over-ground" treatment and mounted treatment, and since the appointment is performed by a registered therapist the cost is typically claimable.
Ultimately, what makes us special is that our participants receive the therapeutic benefits of our programming without feeling like they are attending (yet another) doctors or therapists appointment. The bonds created with their horses often yield stories told at school and home, providing our participants with something unique they can be proud to be a part of.
