Charity for the Community: All Riders Up

By Kaitlin Irwin

Sometimes nothing feels as good as lifting others up. Located on 10 acres of land in Garnet Valley, PA is All Riders Up, a nonprofit that helps individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. You may already be familiar with some forms of therapy such a cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy or physical therapy. At All Riders Up, visitors can experience the healing work of equine therapy. Various professionals and certified experts are helping individuals with disabilities every day through horse riding activities, and the results are tremendous.

Students at All Riders Up participate in Equine-Assisted Activities. This therapeutic horse riding is available to students ages 4 and up and sessions are led by instructors who are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. Learning to ride a horse can be incredibly helpful for people who struggle with physical impairment. Equine therapy can help them improve their flexibility and balance as well as their strength and posture. Not to mention, horse riding is a fun activity that can be shared with others. This can provide a sense of normalcy and improved self-confidence.

Horse riding also helps those struggling with cognitive and emotional disabilities because it requires social interaction and focus. In order to communicate with a horse, riders need to display self-awareness and concentration. The result is a deeper connection to the horse, which can improve confidence, patience and communication skills. All Riders Up has helped individuals with autism, social anxiety, and PTSD, among other conditions. Along with therapeutic riding, students can also receive Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy, in which mental health professionals work together with individuals to develop a therapeutic goal and plan to improve physical and mental health while developing stronger interpersonal relationships.

There is even a Veterans Program for those who have served since 9/11. Veterans may be dealing with physical issues, such as amputations, injuries or brain trauma, as well as any number of mental illnesses. Riding a horse can provide a new path to stability, self-esteem and a transition back into civilian life.

Along with registered nurses, mental health educators and professionals and riding instructors, the volunteers at All Riders Up help the organization continue to shine. If the idea of improving others’ quality of life through horses sounds good to you, consider volunteering! It’s a great way to stay active, meet new people and make a difference in other people’s lives. Volunteering with All Riders Up may also give you a greater understanding and fresh perspective on the lives of others with disabilities. Other ways to help include donating, adopting a horse and sponsoring a student. You can learn more at http://www.allridersup.org or by calling 610-459-0879.