Mission Statement

To promote the well-being of persons with disabilities through the provisions

of horseback riding and other related activities within a safe and enjoyable

atmosphere designed by professionals and implemented primarily by volunteers.

History

CIRT began in 1983 with money from a 4-H grant, borrowed horses and six riders.

Today CIRT is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization with ten horses and serves ninety

riders per week.

Credentials

CIRT is recognized by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

(NARHA) as a “premier center” – the highest possible level of accreditation,

demonstrating a superior level of adherence to national industry standards.

Who We Serve

Approximately ninety students per year ride at CIRT, ranging in age from three to

adult, with a variety of physical, emotional, and mental disabilities including:

Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, visual and hearing impairments, learning

disabilities, head trauma, strokes, and others.

Staff

CIRT’s staff includes an Executive Director, a Program Coordinator, a Volunteer

Coordinator, an Equine Coordinator, and five NARHA certified instructors.

Sessions

CIRT provides lessons four days a week, Monday thru Thursday, April thru November.

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

·         Increased balance, strength and flexibility

·         Increased ability to process information

·         Independence and self-confidence

·         Improved language and communication skills

·         For movement impaired disabilities, horseback riding mimics the human

       motion of walking in a way unreplicated by any equipment

·         Increased quality of life—it’s FUN!!

Referrals

No referral is needed.  However, some students are referred by private physicians,

therapists, or teachers.  Others find us by word of mouth.

Budget

Our annual budget is $145,000.  Less than ¼ of our income comes from lesson

fees; the rest is raised through private donations, grants, and fundraising.

Click here to see our Annual Report.

Volunteers

Approximately 100 volunteers assist with lessons, facility maintenance,

fundraising, and special events.   Members of the CIRT Board of Directors

are volunteers as well.

Community

High School volunteers are able to fulfill mandatory community service

requirements at CIRT.