GaitWay provides equine assisted therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities and learning differences. Whether caused by the crisis of illness, the trauma of accident, or the injustice of abuse, GaitWay is the source of hope for children and adults with disabilities. GaitWay meets the needs of disabled individuals who seek therapeutic activity they cannot find elsewhere.
GaitWay delivers therapeutic horseback riding opportunities which emphasize individual attention in a manner that challenges disabled riders to reach their highest possible potential and rewards their efforts. The goal is to help each rider achieve the maximum independence his/her circumstances will allow. Medical benefits aside, once our rider’s mount their horses they leave the bonds of their disabilities behind and enjoy interacting in a world that they could not otherwise be a part of. In addition, the horses bring an unconditional love and cooperation to the partnership. The relationship among disabled riders, GaitWay certified therapeutic riding instructors, and special therapy horses are the catalyst to miracles in our rider’s lives. GaitWay’s program is about children and adults who are able to reach beyond the confines of their disabilities because of the intervention of this special therapy team. The riders will be stimulated physically, mentally, emotionally and socially through GaitWay's teamwork.
GaitWay began its first session in the fall of 2005 and is pleased to continue offering the program at several locations in the East Baton Rouge area. Currently classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) Certified Instructors, with valuable input from physical, occupational, speech and/or psychological therapists, will provide an optimum developmental learning environment.
Because GaitWay serves a population whose financial resources are seriously impacted by the challenges they face, fees are maintained at the lowest possible level. The availability of scholarship funds ensures that riders are able to participate at GaitWay regardless of their family's financial constraints.
Only a small percentage of GaitWay's budget is derived from fees for services; the remaining expenses need to be raised on a year-to-year basis by donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. The cost per student is over $2,000 per year of which the student pays a nominal fee. GaitWay must raise the difference between the cost and the rider fees charged to continue to provide this service. GaitWay does not receive federal funding, therefore the need for donations and grants from our community is necessary for a program such as GaitWay to operate and provide valuable therapeutic horseback riding instruction to those who would otherwise be unable to participate.
Volunteers are the backbone of a riding program for the disabled. Most of our riders cannot ride without the physical, emotional, and psychological support of their volunteers. While the volunteer brings enthusiasm, time, and dedication to the purpose of a therapeutic horseback riding program, it is the volunteer’s understanding, observation, and spirit of cooperation that assists in bringing the team together. GaitWay would like to invite all who are interested to join us for a thorough Volunteer Training Class. |
