| Students |
Our students are comprised of children and adults with physical, mental and/or psychological disabilities. Potential riders have been referred to Critter Creek through various local organizations such as Marie Detty, the Department of Human Services, and Searchlight in Hobart, OK. Students with physical disabilities must provide a medical release from their physician. All students go through an evaluation by the riding instructor and/or physical therapist before being accepted into the program. Students are accepted based on the potential benefits they can receive by participating in the program. Lessons are tailored to the specific needs of the individual.
Our Lessons
Our riding lessons are scheduled monthly from March through November, weather permitting. Students may ride once or twice a week for one hour. Lessons may be private or can include up to four riders. Students progress through a series of riding levels with specific goals to be achieved at each level before advancing to the next. New students will have their horses led by a volunteer. Depending on his or her needs, a student may be accompanied by one or two volunteer sidewalkers who assure safety and aid the instructor with the lesson. In addition to learning riding skills, students learn how to groom and tack their horses. We endeaver to make therapy fun through a variety of games and exercises designed to improve physical abilities, mental focus and social skills.
Our Costs
There is a one-time registration fee of $10 due upon application to the program. This charge covers administrative and evaluation expenses. Lessons are $20 per group lesson and $25 per private lesson. This fee covers our cost for the actual lessons. Because many of our riders come from low income families or families that are already incurring substantial medical bills, The Critter Creek Therapeutic Riding Fund provides scholarships to those who qualify. No student will be turned away due to inability to pay. We ask parents to donate what they can, or help with fund raising. We attempt to keep our administrative and publicity costs to a minimum but some expenses are unavoidable. Feed and veterinary care for the horses, tack and equipment, and facility expenses are ongoing. The Critter Creek Therapeutic Riding Fund can only cover these costs through the generosity of individuals, businesses and organizations in our community.
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