https://ridingunlimited.org/ntxgd2024/
Riding Unlimited’s mission since 1990 has been to turn disabilities into possibilities through the power of the horse. Our therapeutic horsemanship program provides opportunities for independence and accomplishment while improving strength, balance, coordination, memory, communication, and self-esteem. We also offer equine-assisted learning experiences that help participants learn academic and social-emotional skills through engagement with the horses facilitated by one of our state-certified educators on staff. Our participants range in age from 4 to senior adults and have a variety of medical diagnoses such as autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, and paralysis as well as those struggling socially or emotionally. We also have programs specific to veterans and first responders.
Our facility in Denton County, Texas is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Premier Accredited Center and our instructors are PATH Intl. certified. Since our founding, we have served riders with tens of thousands of lessons in which they gained benefit from the horse’s movement and communication while learning horsemanship skills.
In addition to our therapeutic horsemanship program, Riding Unlimited has expanded to include a program specific to veterans and first responders called Operation Warhorse. This population benefits from the emotional connections made with the horses, outdoor activity, socialization with fellow service members, and a sense of accomplishment from learning new skills. Additionally, Riding Unlimited maintains a partnership with University Behavioral Health (UBH) of Denton’s Warrior’s Haven. This residential unit of UBH is dedicated to active military, veterans, and first responders. Patients visit Riding Unlimited weekly for therapeutic horsemanship sessions integrating social-emotional skill building through collaboration with their team of therapists who facilitate the activities in partnership with Riding Unlimited staff.
Starting August 2024, we will also be offering equine-assisted counseling services to veterans and active military thanks to the Texas Veterans Commission (https://tvc.texas.gov/). These 45-minute counseling sessions are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional and a PATH-certified equine specialist in mental health and learning at no cost to participants!
Additional partnerships include local universities such as Texas Woman's University, Dallas College, and the University of North Texas as well as local school districts. We provide volunteer opportunities and practicum experiences for students and collaborate in pilot studies and research.
Riding Unlimited it dedicated to turning disabilities into possibilities and obstacles into opportunities through the power of the horse.
We always need funds to care for the horses and facility and to pay our highly qualified staff. Many of our horses are older and require extra veterinary care and maintenance to keep them comfortable serving our participants.
With the sharp increase in fuel prices and record-setting high temperatures, our feed costs have grown by 62%. We need help securing funds to feed our herd of horses, who are the cornerstone of our program and deserve the best of care.
We also hope to gather enough funding to continue expanding our Operation Warhorse program for active military, veterans, and first responders.
Riding Unlimited maintains a policy of non-discrimination and is fully committed to the principles of enjoyment and opportunity for all, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, age or disability.
Organization name
RIDING UNLIMITED INC
Causes
Intellectual, Developmental, and Physical Differences, Veterans, Mental and Behavioral Health
Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Counties Served
Collin, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Grayson, Hunt, Parker, Tarrant, Wise
Address
9168 T N SKILES RD