User:Mkstice

River Valley Riders
River Valley Riders is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that is meant to provide physical therapy and mental stimulation to developmentally disabled children. This organization provides locations in Afton, Minnesota, Scandia, Minnesota, as well as East Farmington, Wisconsin. Its services are offered to qualifying children from the twin cities and neighboring Wisconsin areas. According to the organization's website, River Valley Riders has 12 Board Members assembled for coordinating the programs in addition to over 150 volunteers. This unique organization offers mental stimulation and physical therapy through the use of horseback riding. Its philosophy lies in the proven advantages of therapeutic horseback riding while offering a fun and mentally stimulating session for the riders and fellow volunteers. According to the American Equestrian Alliance ,the use of theraputic horseback riding is an ever growing method of therapy. According to Ride to Walk, another theraputic horseback riding organization, this type of therapy can be dated back to the 1600s but is now gaining lots of popularity. Riders are kept safely in the horse through volunteer side-walkers as well as an expert leading the horse. While on horseback, riders are engaged through the use of games, puzzles, conversation, etc. These activities are initiated through personal interaction between the volunteers and individual riders in addition to fun group activities involving all the riders and volunteers. This organization has been around for years and continues to offer its services.