Millers Blog

I chose Riding Unlimited because I am an equine photographer.  I felt it appropriate to choose a charity related to horses.  Being around horses and learning to ride can make an incredible difference for those enrolled in the program.  I have seen little children who were unable to even sit up who were able to walk because of this program.   Some cannot interact with humans but they learn to interact with horses and eventually it carries over to humans.  The following is more detail about Riding Unlimited.  

Riding Unlimited is a therapeutic riding school.  They do remarkable work with the handicapped.  They  provide safe and affordable therapeutic horseback riding instruction for physically, mentally and emotionally handicapped individuals in four Texas counties.  They are a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Premier Accredited Center.  Those participating range from 2 years old to senior adults.  Some individuals participate in the Special Olympics Equestrian Competition.  Some of the disabilities include: Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, ADD, Mental Retardation, Down Syndrome, Autism,, Multiple Sclerosis, Visual and Hearing Impaired, Brain Injury and At Risk.

Through exercises such as relay races, obstacle courses and ring toss, riders learn right-left discrimination, sequencing, language development and cooperation while enjoying a pleasurable experience that increases self-esteem, concentration and confidence.

Physical benefits are realized when riders balance, support and move their body as though they were walking. The benefits for the student include improvement in muscle strength, mobility, body control and balance. Riders also experience improved respiration, circulation and digestion.

Riding Unlimited began in 1990 in a leased facility with six borrowed horses, 70 volunteers, three instructors and 24 riders. In 1997 a 49 acre ranch was purchased to meet the increasing demands of the program and expand the number of riders that could be served.

Thank you,  Millers,  for making a difference for Riding Unlimited.  Funding is always difficult when you are a small but worthy organization.  When I contacted Riding Unlimited, they were thrilled and so thankful.  You are truly making a difference.