Bearcat Therapeutic Riding

About the Program

The program began in the fall of 2009 with two riders. Its stated mission is to provide equine-assisted activities to people with disabilities using individualized methods, with the goal of helping each participant reach the highest level of independence possible.

Adapted therapeutic riding lessons last 30 to 45 minutes, with two to four riders per class, and are scheduled through the week based on horse availability. Unmounted Life Skills classes cover horse care, anatomy and nutrition, and Showmanship at Halter classes teach riders to lead a horse through patterns; interested riders can compete at the South Carolina Special Olympics. Classes are canceled only when driving is unsafe; on rainy days riders take unmounted classes instead. The program page says it is a PATH Intl. member center with three PATH Intl. registered instructors on staff.

Getting Started

Riders must be at least 3 years old and have a diagnosed physical, cognitive or social-emotional disability that keeps them from taking part in a regular riding program. Riders must meet weight limits, behave in a way that is safe for horses and volunteers, wear an ASTM-approved helmet for the whole lesson, provide a physician's letter, and update rider forms each year. Riders with Down syndrome need a negative cervical x-ray for atlantoaxial instability.

To begin, call 864-388-8590 or email Tara Slatton, Manager of Equestrian Operations, at tslatton@lander.edu. The new rider forms packet includes a fee assistance form for families who would like help with the cost.

Volunteering

Volunteers must be 16 or older, and no horse experience is needed. New volunteers return a volunteer information form and liability waiver and attend a training session before helping with a class. Volunteers help with side-walking, horse handling, cleaning tack, office work, facility upkeep and events. Side-walkers need to be able to walk in sand for 45 minutes and lift their arms above shoulder height.

Location

The program runs at the Lander University Equestrian Center, 2611 Hwy. 72-221 East, Greenwood, SC 29649, on the Burton Center campus. The university describes the 37-acre site as the first university-based equestrian facility in South Carolina, with 26 stalls, a 300 by 150 foot covered arena, an outdoor arena, a round pen, classroom space and 19 pastures.