Join us for our 2nd annual Equine Dreams Funfair Fundraiser!
This Saturday, August 21st, 10-3 Click on the picture for more details!
We need HELP!!! Equine Dreams is in desperate need of Hay and Grain as soon as possible. If you or someone you know can help, please email us at ride@equinedreams.org Click on the picture to view our entire wish list.
Equine Dreams is on Facebook! Click on the link for details on how to become a fan!
Equine Dreams is a not-for-profit organization which provides therapeutic horseback riding and driving to children and adults with disabilities. Our program began in 1998 and is a NARHA Premier Accredited Center. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and adults with special needs. All services are free to our clients. We have a volunteer staff of 1 NARHA Advanced Instructor, 5 NARHA Registered Instructors, and 1 dual certified Registered and Driving Instructor. Our Advanced Instructor is also a NARHA higher education task force committee member.
There is a need for therapeutic riding in DeKalb, Kendall, Kane and LaSalle counties which has been confirmed by the immense interest shown in Equine Dreams. In 2009, we provided services to over 70 participants weekly.
Equine Dreams is located in Newark, IL. We were recently blessed with a land donation from Mary Margaret Bieber of almost 15 acres and we are in the process of fundraising to develop that land. We began lessons there in spring of 2009.
Riding programs are available during the spring, summer, and fall on an individual basis, determined by the participant's personal physician, therapist and riding instructor.
The people of Equine Dreams are all volunteers:
~Our president is Bill Johnson; secretary Windy Kopecky; treasurer Lenee Kissel, board member Adam Porter, board member Barb Wrobel.
~Program Director is Sarah Hunt; Development Director is Marilyn Tebrugge.
~Barn manager is James Russell; grounds manager Ron Yockey.
~Our CEO is Sharon Mason.
~Head Instructors are Sharon Mason and Windy Kopecky. Other certified instructors are Sarah Hunt, Julie Gavin, Barb Wrobel, Ricky Mason, and Aly Josephs. We also have an Instructor in Training Marilyn Tebrugge.
~We have numerous volunteers that help and without them we could not run. If you are interested in volunteering, please click on the "volunteer" link to learn more.
Equine Dreams is a 100% Free program run 100% by Volunteers. The horses and equipment are in place, but funding is needed to pay for operational costs such as hay, feed, veterinary care, etc. Click on the link below to contribute and help support our mission. All donations are tax deductible.
Therapeutic riding uses equine assisted activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well being of individuals with disabilities.
Why the Horse?
Therapeutic riding is unique in that when using a horse, we are able to simulate a three dimensional movement which is the same as someone walking. When the horse walks, it rotates the riders hips and spine. Riders learn how to balance, shift their weight, and learn basic equilibrium responses which all transfer to walking on the ground. There are numerous physical, cognitive and social benefits to therapeutic riding, some of which are listed below.
Physical Benefits:
improve balance
posture
mobility/range of motion
function
Cognitive benefits:
improved motor planning
following directions/listening skills
increased attention span
Social benefits:
Independence
Self-control
Self confidence
Group skills
Riders learn basic skills through planned interaction and experiences with the horse. They learn not only riding skills, but also the structure, needs, personality and environment of a horse. They develop a sensitivity to the needs and learn all the activities involved in the grooming, feeding, caring for and riding these animals. Through these activities, the student develops an awareness of his own care and needs and a sensitivity to the needs and care of all things, living and inanimate, which he or she can apply to everyday learning.
Clients who may benefit can have a variety of diagnoses, such as Cerebral Palsy, Developmental Delay, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder and Learning or Language Disabilities. However it is not for every client. Each potential client must be evaluated on an individual basis by specially trained health professionals.
To obtain financial information or reports on Equine Dreams, please visit www.Guidestar.org and search for Equine Dreams. You can also donate to our organization securely through their site.
