Special Equestrians

Nestled in Warrington, PA is a unique equestrian center unlike any other in the area. Special Equestrians is a therapeutic riding facility that provides riding lessons for children and adults who are mentally and physically handicapped. This incredible program uses horses to heal and enrich the lives of hundreds of students, as well as bring joy to its many volunteers.

The riders at Special Equestrians come to the program with many different needs and limitations. Children with autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and other challenges expand their skills physically, mentally, and socially through riding and handling horses. The physical strength and balance, concentration, empathy, and awareness needed to learn to ride help these remarkable students stretch themselves in ways other therapies can’t allow.

Special Equestrians also reaches out to at-risk youth, providing them with riding lessons as well as horse care and barn maintenance skills. The program teaches valuable job skills, and executive director Tammy Westney notes that the children become more compassionate as they learn to work with horses, and their rate of absenteeism drops. Special Equestrians offers riding opportunities to older adults as well in their Silver Saddles program, and partners with Gilda’s Club to provide therapeutic riding to children diagnosed with cancer. In the future, the equestrian center hopes to initiate a Horses for Heroes program in eastern PA.

Special Equestrians is a Bucks County, PA gem. Not only does it provide much-needed therapy for disabled riders, it also gives its staff and volunteers one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. Whether you are seeking a therapeutic riding program, or want to give back through volunteering, Special Equestrians can fulfill those needs. For more information, visit their website at: www.specialequestrians.org.