Riding centre to assist special needs

News — 22 September 2010

Two local residents are partnering together to start a therapeutic riding centre for people with disabilities. Val Artimowich and Tara Breeze will be open for business within the next few weeks, and have already signed up a number of clients.

Offering individual and group lessons, the duo will teach people with all sorts of disabilities, including muscular dystrophy, fetal alcohol syndrome, depression, and behavioral issues.

Breeze defines therapeutic riding as using the horse to address specific needs, whether it’s physical, emotional or behavioral. She says the movement of the horse mimics that of a person walking, and it’s good for muscle development, coordination and balance and is shown to improve movement, increases muscle tone and helps flexibility.

“All lessons will be individualized to suit whatever the needs are of each student with a strong focus on positive reinforcement,” says Breeze.

Breeze trained at Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Centre outside of Guelph, ON and received her certification to teach the riding skills needed in this field. Breeze has a life with horses, and works as a consultant for children with autism and felt this would be a perfect fit for her.

Artimowich is a certified Canadian Equestrian Federation teacher, and will be providing the facility for the lessons to take place.

The facility offers a handicap accessible enclosed arena to ride in, with a viewing area for parents or caregivers to watch, and a full kitchen and washroom facility.

Business plans have been in the works for about a year now, but Artimowich says they wanted to proceed slow, steady and positive without rushing into anything.

“We are also looking at doing summer camps as well, social skills, life skills, stuff like that,” says Breeze. “That might not be limited to children with disabilities, but open to everyone.”

With the hope of offering lessons at least three days a week, the sessions will teach socialization, recreation, exercise, basic horse care, basic riding instruction, with safety being paramount.

“I’ve had a fair amount of students over the last ten years, some with special needs, some not, and the miracle that you witness is just phenomenal,” says Artimowich.

The centre is seeking volunteers to help out with the lessons, so if interested, please contact Val at www.aqhrs.com or call 937-6671.

By Ally Dunham

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