Saddle Up Riding Club, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service. Copyright 2012.
6080 94th Ave, Pinellas Park, FL 33782
727.520.3132 info@saddleupridingclub.org
Find out how to join our “Circle of Friends”
Saddle Up for Heroes Program
Join us on Saturday, Feb. 18th from 1:30 to 3:00 pm for our Saddle Up for Heroes
Equine Program Open House.
WHAT IS THE SADDLE UP FOR HEROES PROGRAM:
Saddle Up Riding Club is offering Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International’s (PATH, Intl.) Horses for Heroes, where those who have honorably served their country ride horses to heal mind and body.
The goal of this program is to improve the lives of service men and women who have obtained an injury, by helping them adjust physically and emotionally to their post service lives.
SERVICE: Veterans are evaluated by a physician, mental health professional or therapist and screened by a therapeutic riding instructor to determine suitability of his/her treatment. Many Servicemen and women may benefit from this type of therapy. Saddle Up Riding Club employs professionals in therapeutic riding instruction and hippotherapy.
SOLDIERS HELPING SOLDIERS: Volunteers are a key ingredient in the healing of injured soldiers. Volunteers receive training in program goals, horse handling, sidewalking and safety.
HISTORY: The concept of this program was originally developed by Mary Jo Beckman, PATH, Intl. Advanced Certified Riding Instructor. Horses for Heroes has seen great results in Ft. Myer, VA, with the Caisson Platoon, 3rd U.S. Infantry, in Barnesville, MD, with Circle of Hope Therapeutic Riding, and in Georgetown, TX, Ride On Center for Kids.
Saddle Up Riding Club is a proud member of PATH, Intl. Being a member of PATH, Intl. means that we follow strict guidelines and standards. Our instructors are also PATH, Intl. registered therapeutic riding instructors. This program is the first of its kind offered in the Pinellas County area.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK: Horses and humans use a similar motion and gait when walking. Horse movements cause riders to respond using natural body movements. Exercise equipment works specific muscle groups, whereas horseback riding promotes an integrated “whole person” flow of movement. Participants with physical disabilities improve their muscle strength, balance, flexibility and coordination.
Saddle Up’s horses are friendly, nonjudgmental companions whose gentle natures help improve mental and emotional states. The bond that develops between a horse and rider inspires a sense of teamwork, responsibility, communication, caring and joy.
Participation in outdoor activities with a horse can help improve morale and well being. Saddle Up’s Horses for Hero’s program provide a healing environment for both volunteers and riders.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Any person who has served in the armed forces of the United States of America can participate. There is no cost to the veteran or volunteer for this program.
If you believe that you or a loved one could benefit from this service, you can download an application from the Saddle Up website at www.saddleupridingclub.org. Simply fill out this application, have it signed by a physician and mail or bring back to Saddle Up. A therapeutic instructor of Saddle Up will do a screening/evaluation to help determine if we can serve the rider through therapeutic horseback riding.
For more information contact:
Angel Watson, Program Liaison at
727-