Therapeutic Riding Program
In 1974, The Riding Centre got in on the ground floor of therapeutic riding with the institution of its Therapeutic Riding Program. Carolyn Bailey, Head Instructor for this program, is certified by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and the Cheff Center for the Handicapped. For over 25 years, the Riding Centre’s Therapeutic Riding Program has successfully served physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged children and adults in group and private lessons. Regional agencies and private physicians refer individuals for therapy at the Riding Centre. This treatment, also known as equine-assisted activities therapy, is quickly earning worldwide respect as an excellent alternative therapy.
“When I bestride him, I soar, I am a hawk; He trots the air; The earth sings when he touches it; The basest horn of his hoof is more musical than the pipe of Hermes; He is pure air and fire.”
-William Shakespeare
“The air of heaven is that which blows between a horse’s ears.”
-Arabian proverb
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
-Winston Churchill
The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
The benefits are not only physical in nature or reserved for individuals with physical disabilities. There are emotional and psychological benefits as well. Horses are non-judgmental; they do not laugh when told secrets. They provide a strong shoulder to lean on and they do not shun people who are a little different.
Mentally challenged students increase confidence, concentration, and retention. Instructor Carolyn Bailey remembers a particular class of four mentally challenged adults who progressed from being led by volunteers to walking, trotting, cantering, and negotiating small jumps on their own. Carolyn was especially pleased with their ability to retain what they had learned from year to year.
“In my dreams
I don’t have MS.”
-JERI WEIKLE
Jeri Weikle is a Riding Centre therapeutic student with multiple sclerosis. She came to the Riding Centre in 1994 in a wheelchair and unable to drive a car. Within six months she was able to drive herself and walk aided only by a cane. Jeri credits her therapeutic riding for her progress. See Jeri's Story
Carolyn Bailey
Head Riding Instructor
Out of close to 1000 certified therapeutic instructors in North America, Carolyn Bailey is one of only 25 classified by North American Riding for the Handicapped (NARHA) as a Master Instructor.
Carolyn was born and raised in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and began what would become her equestrian career when she was allowed, due to her enthusiasm, to begin riding lessons at the Riding Centre at the age 8. She bought her first horse when she was 11 years old and began teaching lessons when she was 15. In 1977, she enrolled at The Cheff Center for the Handicapped in Augusta, Michigan, where she received her certificate to teach riding to the mentally, emotionally, and physically challenged. She was asked to stay on at the Cheff Center as an instructor and spent the following two years gaining valuable experience.
In 1981, Carolyn returned home to the Riding Centre where her heart truly was, and together with Louise Soelberg, carried on the work of the Riding Centre. Embodying Louise’s heart and philosophy, Carolyn has been the Head Instructor and Trainer at the Riding Centre ever since. In 1989, Carolyn assumed full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the facility.