Serving Those With Disabilities
Since 1978, Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, a nonprofit organization, has been providing therapeutic horse related programs to people with disabilities of all ages. Riders with disabilities attend from all over Northeastern Ohio with approximately 800 students annually. Such disabilities include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and Autism Spectrum Disorder, which encompasses behavioral, social, and sensory disorders.
The students will learn riding skills that improve balance and strengthen muscles. They will also develop improved communication skills as well as achieve educational goals. This program builds self confidence and an emotional connection to the horse, instructors, and fellow students. Horses are chosen to fit the needs of the rider.
Summer Camp Programs Available
Fieldstone Farm offers a summer camp program to all abilities. The camp has openings from June to August. There are some restrictions for those individuals who attend. They must cooperate in a group with support, be self-sufficient in eating and toileting, and be able to clearly express their needs. There is also a weight limit of 180 lbs. There is no weight restriction for carriage driving programs.
What happens at camp?
Campers will ride or carriage-drive every day, groom and tack up their horses, clean their tack, and learn about horses. There are also craft classes to build and create a horse themed remembrance. Campers need to bring a packed lunch; snacks are provided. All riders must wear a helmet which is provided by Fieldstone.
There are many camp themes to choose from. Prices and times vary. For example, the theme for July is Hot, Hot, Hot! Midsummer water fun will include riding and keeping cool with water balloons, fishing in the pond, playing in the sprinkler, water relays, and learning about how we depend on water for everything we do. This particular camp is open to children ages 7-10 and 11-14. Dates are July 2-6, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Tuition is $280.00.
Fieldstone offers a Ridership if you cannot afford the whole amount for these classes. (You must meet the requirements.)
For more information regarding all summer camp themes, visit their Website or call Boo at 440-708-0013 ext 155.
How Fieldstone Camp Helped Jason
I highly recommend that anyone who has never been to Fieldstone Farm check out this beautiful facility in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. What a fantastic program. A huge thank you to all the workers at Fieldstone for all the work and time they have given these children to make a difference in their lives. Without this opportunity, I don’t know if Jason would have ever showed an interest in horses. Not only did he get to ride, but he also groomed and fed the horses treats (not before eating some himself), brought home many arts and crafts that he made along with pictures of the horse he rode, and also a certificate of completion with a blue ribbon. This was a great experience for my son, and I hope to do it again soon.
Author: Rachel Dannemiller
Rachel is a lifelong resident of Geauga County. She is married to Tom and has a son Jason, and a dog named Harley. Rachel and her family are devoted to bringing autism awareness to the community and they are organizing the local Autism Speaks event in Burton this year.