Right Track Horsemanship Academy

Philosophy

Right Track delivers riding opportunities in a manner that allows clients to achieve their maximum potential and rewards their efforts. The approach, which emphasizes individual attention and motivation, is staff and volunteer intensive, but the reward is for the rider.

Our mission is to provide therapeutic riding for persons with physical, mental and emotional challenges. Also, to provide the community with volunteer opportunities in the field of therapeutic riding and to provide horsemanship education to persons of all ages and abilities. Back to Top

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Program Impact

The relationship between riders, certified instructors, volunteers and special horses is the catalyst to miracle in lives. Right Track's program is about children and adults who reach beyond the confines of the challenges they have to bring self-confidence and personal growth. Each individual student is assessed and lessons are designed to meet individual needs and goals.

Physically, riding takes the rider through a complex series of movements which consciously and unconsciously use all the body's muscles. The horse rythmically and naturally moves the body in a manner similar to the human gait and also improves posture, balance and muscle control.

Mentally, riding increases concentration, improves sequential thought processing, increases the rider's ability to articulate emotions, and develops spatial awareness. It brings about relaxation and a sense of well being.

Emotionally, it provides the opportunity for riders to bond with horse, instructor and volunteer which assists in the development of trust. It is also effective in calming emotional outburst and reinforces appropriate behaviors. Contact with horses and horsemanship training provides a non-competitive setting for learning. New abilities, self-discipline, and improved concentration build self-confidence.

Socially, riding and working with horses nurtures a positive self-image. Riders with special challenges especially, often experience independence for the first time in their lives. They also develop an awareness of being part of a team. All riders have the ability to learn skills and participate in a recognized sport. Riders grow in self-esteem which they take back into their own worlds.

Challenges impacted

~spina bifida ~Multiple sclerosis ~ closed head injury ~vision impairment
~scoliosis ~tramatic brain imjury ~muscular dystrophy ~developmental delay
~hearing impairment ~cerebral palsy ~mental retardation ~emotional disorders
~attention deficit ~down syndrome ~amputation
~paralysis ~stroke ~autism
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Program Needs

Right Track therapeutic riding program is operated on a leased ten acre property located in the heart of Weatherford and is easily accesible to it's clients. The property is an old homestead, but is shaping up into a wonderful facility. Some things needed are:

~ Monthly sponsorships for clients who are on a waiting list and several who would benefit by coming more than once a week. Details of individuals are avalible on request, simply call us at (817)596-9995.

~ Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the program. "Equine experience is nice but not necessary."BR>
~ Facility improvements such as new fencing to replace old and lights for the arena are needed. Someday, we even hope to have a covered arena for inclement weather.
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Where the Dollars Go

In addition to the above mentioned special projects, there is the added expense of the following:.

~ Program materials such as saddles and special riding surcingles cost from $250 - $700; safety stirrups are $50/pair; safety helmets are $50. Other adaptive equipment is expensive, yet few riders with physical challenges can participate without some type of adaptive equipment

~ Horses. We maintain a herd of 10 - 14 horses depending on the time of year. It costs approximately $1500 a year to provide feed, hay farrier, inoculations, parasite control and veterinary services for each horse. Most of the horses come through donations and several are past their prime, increasing the need for sound horse management and a preventative maintenance program. Right Track horses receive the best of care and nutrition with the goal they will remain healthy and on active duty for many years. Only one in 5 horses offered to the program are actually accepted. IT TAKES A VERY SPECIAL HORSE TO WORK WITH VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE.

~ Facility overhead is an additional expense. This includes property lease, utility bills and maintenance of existing equipment.


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How you Can Help

There are several ways you can help.

~ Volunteers help with grooming, tacking, barn chores and assisting with the riders. Many students need somone to lead while they develop skills to independently control the horse and some may even need one or two side walkers to assist them. Volunteering can bring a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction. As a volunteer you will also have the opportunity to learn about horses and participate in the volunteer incentive program,.

~ Sponsorship of material and monetary donations provide therapeutic riding to many persons who could not otherwise afford this valuable and beneficial service as doctors, multiple therapies, special equipment, tutors, special classes, special schools, psychological support services, orthotic appliances are just a few of the aspects of daily life that drain our clients financial resources.


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Perpetual Sponsors

Perpetual sponsors of $100 per month or more are provided with information and when appropriate, photos of the rider they are sponsoring. This provides a rider with a session one time per week. Many benefit from two or three visits per week, especially if this is the only form of physical exercise they receive which is often the case when insurance has stopped paying for other forms of therapy. Your donation is tax-deductible and a reciept will be sent to you. THANK YOU.
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