Programs and Services

Saddle UP! (Springfield)

Saddle Up! is the UCP therapeutic horseback riding program for children with disabilities. There are many benefits of therapeutic horseback riding. Some of the benefits are:

• Self-Esteem: Riders gain confidence and independence in their own skills and in doing an activity that can be very challenging. Riders also learn the importance of teamwork as two side walker volunteers and a horse leader volunteer assist every rider.
• Physical: Riders with physical disabilities can experience increased muscle tone, balance, coordination, flexibility, and loosening of tight or spastic muscles.
• Behavioral: Riders have to learn the importance of following adult directives, being in charge of their emotions, and maintaining a calm demeanor while on the horse.
• Cognitive: Riders increase their ability to concentrate on the task at hand, think in ways otherwise not challenged, and increase their memory.
• Social: Riders can increase their eye contact, language and communication, ability to relate to others, and interpretation of social cues.

UCP welcomes children from the ages of 2-21 with any disability to participate in Saddle Up! Sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and are available in April and in September. Saddle Up! is five weeks long and riders can enroll in 30-minute or 45-minute sessions.

Lessons are held off Interstate 55 on a farm near Pawnee. There is a fee to participate; however, scholarships are available. Sessions are led by a NARHA certified registered instructor who also trains all volunteers that assist riders.

For more information about Saddle UP! (Springfield), please contact UCP at (217) 525-6522 or send an e-mail.

http://www.ucpll.org
Updated: 12/02/2009