LOGAN TWP. — The Gloucester County Dream Park offers a riding program for children and adults with developmental, physical, and mental/ emotional challenges.
“We are constantly expanding our programs to accommodate any and all types of disabilities and are committed to inclusivity,” said Director Robert M. Damminger.
Lessons are designed to accommodate the physical, mental, and/ or social needs of the rider. The physical act of riding improves balance, posture, trunk control, motor function, and coordination. Increased attention, communication skills, spatial awareness, and socialization are achieved through a series of planned exercises.
Participants with a wide array of challenges and varying ages are taught basic horseback riding techniques to control the horse’s movement, such as walking or stopping the horse.
“We’ve seen how beneficial this program can be for our students, and we hope anyone interested in riding reaches out to the Dream Park,” said Damminger. “Riding and guiding such a powerful animal gives them a big boost of self-esteem.”
The Therapeutic Riding Center has assumed dedicated space at DREAM Park. The program has added a chair lift for students who need extra assistance getting up on the horse.
During a student’s 30-minute riding session, they go through obstacles and play games that teach them to ride the horse while simultaneously improving their coordination, muscle tone and core strength.
For more information, please visit the Therapeutic Riding Center at https://dreamparknj.com/therapeutic-riding/ or call (856) 241-1415.
