Since my daughter started with Equi-Ed two years ago, she's become happier & more out-going. She is so proud of her ability to ride & has really connected with the horses & staff/volunteers. Equi-Ed... text
Equi-Ed, Inc.
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My daughter has ridden at Equi-Ed for the past 3 years. During that time, we have seen an improvement in her social skills, math skills & best of all, her confidence. She loves the horses & all the people that work with her. She is treated with respect, kindness, & as a valuable person. We can't recommend this program enough.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Since my daughter started with Equi-Ed two years ago, she's become happier & more out-going. She is so proud of her ability to ride & has really connected with the horses & staff/volunteers. Equi-Ed has given her the ability to succeed at something she loves, which in turn has given her more confidence at school, in both social situations & with school-work. Following instructions while riding has improved her focus & self-confidence. Her experience at Equi-Ed is truly one of the best things that has happened for her.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Watching my daughter blossom & experience increased confidence & happiness.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Win the lottery & donate more money!
My daughter, who had a lot of psychological barriers, which kept her very lonely and lacking in self confidence, has found a safe, nurturing program, through the wonderful staff and volunteers. After only 6 months of riding she has regained her self confidence, feels proud of her accomplishments and is venturing into relationships with other peers. Thank you so much Equi-Ed!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
In my own personal expirience.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wouldn't
Equi-Ed is a physical and emotional oasis for me. Thanks to my granddaughter, who is a passionate equestrian, I began taking lessons at Equi-Ed a few months ago. In addition to the normal aging process (I am 67 years old), nine surgeries have meant a significant loss of suppleness and chronic pain. With the knowledge and compassionate support of certified trainer Max, physical therapist Diane, and trusty sidekick Jennifer, I am beginning to communicate with my body again by learning to communicate with the horse. What fun! What Equi-Ed accomplishes with limited financial resources is nothing short of amazing! They support us with professionalism, consistency, and always good grace. My riding lesson is the highlight of my week!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Improved suppleness and pain control in my own body.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand the program to develop a specialized riding component for senior citizens to maintain health, strength, suppleness, coordination, mental alertness, and possibly even age appropriate competition.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
My granddaughter.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
I feel hopeful that I can get my body back and finally manage the chronic pain.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
I am a physical therapist and also currently volunteer and assist with this fantastic program. Horses are an incredible therapeutic tool due to their movement which is quite similiar to that of a walking human. RIders with physical disabilities can experience the dynamic movement forward that many have never felt! And what an amazing feeling to control a 1000 lb animal when so many areas of these rider's lives are out of their control.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Santa Rosa, CA
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would like to add Hippotherapy to the program which is using the horse's movement to facilitate improvement in the patient/rider
My autistic daughter is 17 years old and has been riding horses at Equi-ed for the past 10 years. It's a highlight of her week. In addition to having fun, riding has taught her patience and control of her body. She's learned to control the horse independently and is quite proud of her ability to do so. She has limited language, but knows "walk on," "trot," "whoa," "helmet," "reins."
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
As above
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Get the word out...
I like going to Equi-Ed to learn horse riding skills and vaulting skills. They let me volunteer by having me help do barn activities. This experience helps me with my physical balance and personal confidence. My dream is to participate in competitions.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The experience of riding and vaulting on a horse helps improve my body strength and coordination.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have more competitions available to the students.
As the founder, Executive Director and one of the instructors at Equi-Ed it is my daily experience to come together with a group of volunteers, students, parents, caretakers and fellow staff that are the most positive, dedicated and motivated people I know. Besides the physical benefits our incredible horses provide to our students, we also have a strong emphasis on life-long educational opportunities for everyone involved. Our affiliation with Santa Rosa Junior College Equine Science and Adapted Physical Education departments helps in the attainment of that part of our Mission statement. Each of our students, from 4 through adulthood receive individualized instruction, provided by instructors whose credentials and experience surpass the basic nationally excepted standard. Lessons are designed to maximize independence while being stimulating, challenging and FUN! ;all the while maintaining the upmost emphasis on safety. I love working and teaching at Equi-Ed; the combination of horses and people gives me inspiration and an energy that never wanes.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The positive effects on students and feeling of well-being experienced by everyone.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Have our own facility with a covered arena, and an endowment to secure program operations including student scholarships.
My daughter developed hydrocephalus after surgery when she was an infant and has challenges with coordination and balance. One measure of the success of the program for her is that she has stuck with it for 10 years and is motivated to work to pay for her lessons. She says she loves the challenge of controlling the horse and likes the feeling of being so tall. She also greatly enjoys the relationships she has developed with the volunteers and staff.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
..the love my daughter has for equi-ed. Also it is refreshing to spend time in the country working with horses and to be part of an organization that provides so much and is so accepting.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
.. like to see it have a covered arena so that lessons could go on rain or shine.
I have recently started volunteering at Equi-Ed once a week. I have really enjoyed my experience so far. The staff at Equi-Ed are great to be around. Every week I am being taught more and more about working with horses and the students. I especially enjoy seeing the students gain mastery and I love seeing their smiles while with the horses. The instructors do a great job of meeting each student on their level and they are creative in the lesson times. Each lesson is different and interesting in order to keep the student is intrigued. The instructors are very creative in coming up with games that not only work on therapeutic riding skills but are also educational. The program is well organized and there is a camaraderie between those that work and volunteer there. The horses are very well taken care of and are great with the students. Safety plays a very important roll in the operation of Equi-Ed, which makes me feel safer as a volunteer. The location of the program is serene and it is so enjoyable to come each week to volunteer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My five year old niece who has autism has taken lessons at Equi-Ed. While my niece was on the horse riding, she was happy and there was a light in her eyes. She also responded verbally more frequently than usual. I believe that the riding lessons have also helped develop her core muscles and has helped her with balance. I was especially impressed with the way the instructor kept my niece's focus and was patient and flexible. The instructors know how to effectively teach each student.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would make sure that if was fully funded without limitations to needed items.
My daughter lacked oxygen before and during the birthing process which affected all her development growth - mild cerebral palsy. She participated in traditional therapy until she got sick at age 10 with a rare disease that almost made her crippled. We searched for a different therapy method to help her recooperate her ability to walk. We found Equi-Ed, where not only has she been able to regain her leg strength, but also develop better coordination of her whole body. The most empowering element of this program is watching my daughter express excitement and self-confidence with the horses. Now, she has also found a purpose to work harder at school so she can have a career working with horses.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I see my daughter become confident with her abilities in every part of her life.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I try to spread the word of their existance and the empowerment it develops in the participates.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
I found this group by searching the internet.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
Helping others
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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