WHAT IS FREEDOM RIDE?
Freedom
Ride, a 501c(3) non-profit, is the only Premier Accredited NARHA
facility in the Central Florida area. We provide therapeutic riding
to adults and children four years and older with Spina Bifida,
mental retardation, autism, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy,
cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, brain injury, speech-language
disorders, among others.
Freedom Ride opened its stables in 1998 with one rider
and one borrowed horse. Today, Freedom Ride has 16 horses, 200+
volunteers and provides therapeutic riding for over 100 local children
and adults every week.
WHY IS RIDING A HORSE THERAPEUTIC?
The movement of the horse, the rhythmic side-to-side, forward and
backward movement is similar to a human. As participants sit atop
a horse, their pelvic area, trunk and upper body move in motion to
the horse. This stimulation gently relaxes taut muscles and thereby
increases range of motion for the rider. The movement of the trunk
encourages riders to work harder to balance their upper bodies, and
routine activities develop hand-eye coordination. Learning new routines,
sequencing and accessing short-term memory skills assist individuals
who otherwise may experience difficulty with these tasks. As important,
being able to participate in an activity like their siblings and able-bodied
friends increases self-esteem and confidence.
Freedom Ride is nationally accredited by the North American Riding
for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) All instructors are certified
by NARHA. Current program activities include:
THERAPEUTIC RIDING CLASSES:
Currently operating five days a week, classes may be a half-hour
or hour long in length and may be private or group lessons. All potential
participants undergo a comprehensive in-take process that includes
completion of registration forms including a physician release form
and attending an evaluation. For more information, click
here.
HIPPOTHERAPY CLASSES:
The term Hippotherapy means treatment with the help of the horse.
The purpose of Hippotherapy is to provide rehabilitative services
combining classical equine techniques with the long and short-term
goals of traditional physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Participants do not learn ‘riding skills’ while participating
in this program. For more information, click
here.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS:
As a compliment to the therapeutic riding classes, Freedom Ride offers
athlete training for Special Olympics equestrian events. Freedom Ride
acknowledges the Special Olympics mission to provide “continuing
opportunities to develop physical fitness demonstrate courage, experience
joy and participate in sharing of gifts, skills and friendship”
for its riders.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM:
Freedom Ride’s dedicated volunteer team is the backbone of
our organization. Volunteers are a minimum of fourteen years of age
and must attend a mandatory orientation prior to assisting with program
activities. Volunteers assist with all of Freedom Ride’s daily
operations such as administrative tasks, horse care, class assistance,
fundraising assistance and facility maintenance. For more information,
click here
Freedom Ride
1905 Lee Road
Orlando, FL 32810
Map to Freedom Ride
Phone: (407) 293-0411
Fax: (407) 293-6280
info@freedomride.com
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