RIDE FOR JOY THERAPEUTIC RIDINGPROGRAM INC

Since its founding in the 1990s, Ride for Joy has been dedicated to offering adaptive riding programs for children and adults with disabilities throughout southwestern Idaho. In 2007, the organization achieved 501(c)(3) status, further solidifying its commitment to the community. In 2014, Ride for Joy expanded its mission to include equine-assisted services for veterans, providing a unique form of support for those who have served our country. Additionally, Ride for Joy's programs support individuals facing terminal illness and youth in foster care.

Ride for Joy is one of two centers in Idaho accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), and it is the only PATH Intl. affiliated center in the Treasure Valley. Our program is uniquely equipped to support individuals with a wide range of abilities using accessible facilities and adaptive equipment, including a wheelchair lift. Our instructors are certified, and our horses and volunteers receive specialized training to support the populations that Ride for Joy serves.

Equine-assisted services promote physical, cognitive, behavioral, and socio-emotional growth and development. It is often a life-changing experience that provides support and intervention to individuals experiencing disabilities, trauma, and mental health challenges. Ride for Joy serves participants diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, Down syndrome, spina bifida, cystic fibrosis, physical disability due to injury, visual impairments, hearing impairments, Autism, ADHD, and more. Other participants are traumatic brain injury and stroke survivors, and some face mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. In the veteran population that we serve, many participants experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, physical disabilities, and social isolation.

Some of the benefits experienced by participants include improved strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, confidence, self-esteem, emotional resilience, behavioral regulation, and enjoyment. These positive outcomes are often described by our participants' families and caregivers:

"The change in confidence, regulated mood, and pure joy blessed our family over the course of Barn Pals and our session in Ride for Joy. Ride for Joy gives rural residents an important resource for our community."

"My child with sensory processing challenges, dyslexia, ADHD and possible ASD showed improved mood, calmness, and joy throughout your programs. We appreciate the time we were able to be part of Ride for Joy."

"Barn Pals for an older student is a terrific guided and safe vocational exploration in the equine world. Invaluable. There seems to be a combination of tremendous staff patience and confidence of the participant that results in attempts with accomplishment that likely wouldn’t happen in a mainstream barn environment. Again, invaluable."

"RFJ amazes me with their detail for accommodations across so many varied participants - it really maximizes each rider’s success and joy."

Although the true cost of providing one Adaptive Riding or Veterans Horsemanship lesson at Ride for Joy is $180, keeping our programs affordable for Idaho families is a priority. Additionally, all programming for veterans is offered at no cost. Program income covers less than 15% of Ride for Joy’s annual budget, and we rely on grants, sponsorships, and donors to ensure that our programs serve the individuals who need them most.

Please visit Ride for Joy's website for more information. Thank you for supporting our program!