ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Project R.I.D.E. has a worthy purpose. The Elk Grove program provides a recreational outlet with horse-riding lessons for people with special needs, who might need help physically, mentally and socially.

Project R.I.D.E. participants feel included in the activities, according to the organization, and the touch and interaction between horse and rider creates a close bond.

 “This program has helped Lauren to have increased mobility, balance and boosted her confidence,” said Kelly Young, whose daughter, Lauren, has been a participant for 20 years.

Safety for Riders

Safety for riders is paramount. The horses selected are gentle but extra caution is exercised on behalf of the riders. On each side of the horse and rider are walkers and another person leads the horse. 

New applicants can fill out a form online at projectride.org and then they are individually evaluated by riding instructors as to their abilities. Consideration is given to which horse might suit them best.

Volunteering

With 14 horses to feed and care for, there is plenty of hands-on work. 

“We couldn’t run this project without our volunteers,” Racheal Prettyman, riding instructor and former schoolteacher, said. “They willingly pitch in with barn chores, general clean-up, preparing the horses for riding, and staffing booths at fairs. We are always looking for more volunteers.”

Care for the Horses

To be in tip-top shape, the pampered horses are given the best feed, medical care and regular routine check-ups by farriers, according to Project R.I.D.E.  

After working for one week, the horses are trailered to a 52-two-acre ranch where they frolic on a mini-vacation. Meanwhile, a new group that has been at the ranch for a week comes back to the barn, fresh and ready to ride.

Covering the Cost

To help cover costs, the nonprofit Project R.I.D.E. holds three fundraisers every year: a crab feed, steak supper and a spaghetti feed. 

The spaghetti feed, a family friendly event, will be on Oct. 12. Accompaniments will be salad, garlic bread, drinks and dessert. Games and prizes will be held for children. Get your tickets on the Project R.I.D.E. website at projectride.org.

Also, private donors have generously shared financially. As a result, one of the amazing features of the facility is a mechanical horse that can walk, trot and canter in place. A screen in front of the rider shows realistic videos of outdoor scenes and sounds. 

An outdoor path with sounds of nature and aromas of plants helps blind riders to experience the sensory side of riding.

On days too hot for horses and riders, an air-conditioned classroom is where students can learn the correct terms for horse anatomy and the tack they use. This instruction isn’t just a dry recitation of facts. Recently, they played horse anatomy Bingo for prizes.

Becoming Involved