Helpful Hooves

Staff members and volunteers help student rider Ben from his wheelchair to Leroy the horse before the start of a lesson. Riding lessons at New Beginnings act as both a fun activity for students as well as therapy sessions.

New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding is a nonprofit organization that serves individuals with behavioral, emotional, mental and physical disabilities in Warren County. New Beginnings relies on donations, fundraisers and volunteers to keep the doors open for their students. The program aims to strengthen the mind and the body of their students by encouraging confidence and coordination in riders. Students work on physical strengthening while riding the horses and mental strengthening through focusing on lessons and be- ing aware of their surroundings. New Beginnings believes in giving riders the freedom to be mobile without artificial aids. The program has recently opened classes with new safety precautions which allow students to get back on the field. Volunteers are needed to help students and around the barn. At the moment they have about 35 students and see groups throughout the week. Once a month, New Beginnings holds orientation for new volunteers who want to get involved with the organization.