At Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association
we harness the unique bond between a horse and its rider to empower
our students with confidence, strength and independence. With limitless
physical, psychological and emotional benefits, therapeutic riding
is a gift to everyone involved.
Mission Statement
Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association promotes healing with horses through
equine assisted therapeutic and educational activities for people of all
ages with disabilities, regardless of economic status. The Association
encourages the natural relationship between horse and rider which results
in the rider's improved physical and emotional well being. |
JHTRA History
JHTRA was founded by three women who knew the
value of horses as therapy. They were DeDe McDonald (physical therapist), Elaine Infanger (parent) and Robin Lightner (horsewoman). They
started in 1993 with only a couple of horses and a handful of volunteers.
After moving from arena to arena they did a major campaign in 1997
to raise money to build their own facility. The new arena was
built in 1998 and was named "the Robin Lightner Arena".
Since that time the program maintains about 16 horses, and provides
instruction Monday thru Friday from May to October. The program
has grown to include Special Olympics, JHTRA
Annual Horse Show, Teton County Fair Horse Show and community parades. We serve riders of all ages, currently 3 to 68.
Our program is funded mostly by donations. We serve
people from: CES Community Entry Services' provides a full array of services for individuals with developmental disabilities, C-V Ranch is a residential school and treatment facility for multi-handicapped and emotionally disturbed youth whose education needs are not met in their local communities, Teton County Schools,
students from Big Piney and Afton, Wyoming, as well as Teton County,
Idaho and private individuals.
JHTRA is a premiere accredited center. NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) recently partnered with EFMHA (Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association) is an organization that changes and enriches lives by promoting excellence in equine assisted activities. NARHA has provided Equine Assisted Activity and Therapy (EAAT) programs in the United States and Canada through its network of nearly 800 member centers. Each year, dozens of new centers initiate new programs and more than 42,000 individuals with special needs benefit from activities which include therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine facilitated psychotherapy and learning, driving, interactive vaulting and competition. www.narha.org
The fees our riders pay cover 10% of expenses. We are a 501 (c)(3) non profit funded mainly through donations which are tax deductible. Tax ID 83-0303555 |
