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Green Chimneys Expands Therapeutic Riding Program for Children with Special Needs
Volunteers Sought From Westchester, Putnam And Dutchess Counties
One of the nation's premier riding facilities is looking for volunteers to assist with its expanded therapeutic riding program, starting in September. Green Chimneys, one of only nine organizations in New York State to hold a "premier accredited" rating from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc. (NARHA), is looking for dedicated individuals to assist with its fall session of public therapeutic riding. Volunteers are needed two hours a week for nine weeks. No experience is necessary; training is provided. "Volunteers are the heart and backbone of our public therapeutic riding program," says Elizabeth Cushingham, education program manager for Green Chimneys Farm and Wildlife Center.
Fall classes will be held: Sept. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27; October 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31; and November 1, 13, 14 and 15. Makeup lessons will be held November 27, 28 and 29. Classes are held at 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. for nine weeks and are limited to three children per session to provide an optimum learning experience.
Green Chimneys therapeutic riding classes are designed for children with special needs. Children with learning disabilities, sensory processing issues, Asperger's syndrome, anxiety, depression and developmental delays can benefit from the program. "Green Chimneys is an international leader in therapeutically working with children with psychosocial disabilities and horses," says Michael Kaufmann, director of Green Chimneys' farm and wildlife center. "We've seen how therapeutic riding can have a strong, positive impact on children who have failed socially, behaviorally and academically."
Riding a horse in a secure and challenging environment can help children with physical, sensory, emotional, social or cognitive special needs. Won't you help a child develop self-esteem, self-confidence and self-control by joining the corps of volunteers? You'll have a great time, too! For more information on volunteering, contact riding instructor Eliza Love at (845) 279- 2995, ext. 230 or elove@greenchimneys.org .
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