WARRINGTON, Pa. — “I wanted to make a difference to improve the rider’s experience during my time at Special Equestrians,” states intern Louis Taylor. As part of a unique collaboration between Foundations Community Partnership and Special Equestrians, Louis worked for ten weeks as a student intern for the Summer Youth Corp Program, sponsored through Foundations Community Partnership. During that time he divided his time between intensive classes, and Special Equestrians Therapeutic Horseback Riding Programs.
The result of his work is a moveable “village” where the children who ride at Special Equestrians can practice their life-skills. They will be able to ride their horses to the post office or grocery store, while their instructors give them letters to mail or provide a list from which they can shop.
“The new village is bright, colorful and action oriented which encourages our riders to interact with their environment, peers, horse and instructor, we are very happy that our outdoor riding areas have been enhanced first by our sensory trail and now by our village,” says Anne Reynolds, Program Director for Special Equestrians.
Anne and Mary Beth Coggshall, Field Supervisor from Foundations Community Partnership, both supervised Louis during his placement. Mary Beth said: “My favorite part of this experience was having an opportunity to get to know these bright, motivated students and seeing them progress through their placements. I also enjoyed visiting them during their time with the agencies, and learning about places like Special Equestrians.”
Special Equestrians, a Forbes Enterprise Award winner, is a 501(c)3 non-profit therapeutic riding program located at 2800 Street Road in Warrington, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience. Founded in 1982 Special Equestrians has grown from a one horse, one rider, one volunteer program to a thriving organization with 9 horses, 17 staff members, and over 100 volunteers serving 125 children and adults with emotional, mental and physical disabilities each year.
For more information please call 215-918-1001, or visit our Web site at www.specialequestrians.org .
