SIRE offers therapeutic horseback riding for seniors
If you are over 62 years of age with special medical needs and are
looking for a fun format for exercise, horseback riding may be just
right for you. The Silver Saddles program begins in January 2012. You
will ride once per week for four weeks. The total cost is $180; there is
no fee for evaluation or consultation. You must have a referral from a
physician, weigh less than 200 pounds, and have an appropriate
diagnosis, including, but not limited to, arthritis, diabetes, loss of
muscle tone, weakness from stroke, and mild osteoporosis.
SIRE is a therapeutic horseback riding program which has been providing
services to individuals with special needs in the greater Houston area
for over 28 years. Our horses are safe and gentle; our instructors are
talented and creative.
Horseback riding increases flexibility, improves balance and posture,
provides gentle exercise, increases muscle tone and stamina, and is just
plain fun. The horseback riding lessons will take place in our covered
arena or on our controlled trail course. Our mounting ramp is used to
make getting on and off the horse convenient. Assistants will be
available to sidewalk and/or lead the horse as needed. Most of the
riding will take place at the walk.
These lessons are appropriate for someone who has never ridden horses as
well as someone with limitations which prevent them from riding as they
once did. Riders will also learn the basics of grooming and tacking the
horses.
SIRE uses the movement and spirit of the horse to improve the lives of
children and adults with disabilities. SIRE provides programs for
students who have physical and cognitive disabilities, sensory
impairments and psycho-social disorders. SIRE works with its clients to
improve motor skills, balance and posture while stimulating the
cardiovascular system and normalizing muscle tone.
For more information about SIRE, call 281.356.7588 or visit
www.SIRE-htec.org.
