Poway Valley Therapeutic Riding Center (PoVa) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit (status pending) organization offering therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with special needs. The lessons are led by the program’s Executive Director, Ingrid Mourey who is a certified NARHA Advanced Instructor. She is working with Program Director Kathy Guiney, also a life-long equestrian and a California Credentialed Teacher with experience in special education.
We are so excited that Cecily will soon be starting riding lessons! We have long known the benefits of riding - but we were waiting for the right time to try it out! Cecily is in love with all things pony... from her growing collection of My Little Pony, to her adorable Manley Recycled Pony, to the real live ponies near Noah's school. In one more week she'll sit on the back of a horse for her first ride and we think she is going to love it! And it is all thanks to PoVA.
As taken directly from the PoVa web site: "On the surface therapeutic riding may look like fun and games (which it is), a regular riding lesson or a pony ride. In addition to being a fabulous recreational activity, the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits are tremendous and far-reaching.
The measurable benefits gained with therapeutic riding are vast and extend far beyond the enjoyment of the riding lesson. The life skills learned and physical and cognitive improvements experienced help with many aspects of our students’ lives. For example, as the horses are walking, their stride requires the riders to constantly adjust, shift, and rebalance themselves. Therefore, riding can lead to measurable physical changes including normalization of muscle tone, improved posture, and increased core strength. Therapeutic riding also teaches motor and communication skills. Commanding the horse to “go”, “whoa” or “walk-on” may be a child’s first words. For the non-verbal rider, the physical action of pointing forward or pulling the reins is a powerful form of communication which elicits a response.
Therapeutic riding strengthens the bodies, minds, and spirits of individuals with disabilities. Our lessons are designed to focus on our riders’ abilities rather than their limitations. Whether the disability is acquired or congenital, most anyone (with doctor’s clearance) of any age (no matter if they are 2 or 82) can ride."
I love their saying, " As we believe in our rider's abilities, the rider's grow to believe in themselves." Be sure to check back and follow Cecily's riding journey. Giddy up!
More about PoVa
Riding Site: Creek Road Ranch on Creek Road/Beeler Canyon Road, Poway (.8 mile off of Pomerado Road)
Mailing Address: 13943 Poway Valley Road, Poway, CA 92064
Phone: (858) 231-7889
Web: http://povatrc.org/
Email: ingridmourey[at]gmail[dot]com
Onwards and upwards!
We are so excited that Cecily will soon be starting riding lessons! We have long known the benefits of riding - but we were waiting for the right time to try it out! Cecily is in love with all things pony... from her growing collection of My Little Pony, to her adorable Manley Recycled Pony, to the real live ponies near Noah's school. In one more week she'll sit on the back of a horse for her first ride and we think she is going to love it! And it is all thanks to PoVA.
As taken directly from the PoVa web site: "On the surface therapeutic riding may look like fun and games (which it is), a regular riding lesson or a pony ride. In addition to being a fabulous recreational activity, the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits are tremendous and far-reaching.
The measurable benefits gained with therapeutic riding are vast and extend far beyond the enjoyment of the riding lesson. The life skills learned and physical and cognitive improvements experienced help with many aspects of our students’ lives. For example, as the horses are walking, their stride requires the riders to constantly adjust, shift, and rebalance themselves. Therefore, riding can lead to measurable physical changes including normalization of muscle tone, improved posture, and increased core strength. Therapeutic riding also teaches motor and communication skills. Commanding the horse to “go”, “whoa” or “walk-on” may be a child’s first words. For the non-verbal rider, the physical action of pointing forward or pulling the reins is a powerful form of communication which elicits a response.
Therapeutic riding strengthens the bodies, minds, and spirits of individuals with disabilities. Our lessons are designed to focus on our riders’ abilities rather than their limitations. Whether the disability is acquired or congenital, most anyone (with doctor’s clearance) of any age (no matter if they are 2 or 82) can ride."
I love their saying, " As we believe in our rider's abilities, the rider's grow to believe in themselves." Be sure to check back and follow Cecily's riding journey. Giddy up!
More about PoVa
Riding Site: Creek Road Ranch on Creek Road/Beeler Canyon Road, Poway (.8 mile off of Pomerado Road)
Mailing Address: 13943 Poway Valley Road, Poway, CA 92064
Phone: (858) 231-7889
Web: http://povatrc.org/
Email: ingridmourey[at]gmail[dot]com
Onwards and upwards!
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