SPECIAL NEEDS LESSONS.....Riding improves coordination, balance & core strength, focus & learning, patience, connections & friendships,confidence and independence.
Double J Riding Club
10545 W 74th St.
Countryside, IL 60525
708.352.5675
info@doublejridingclub.com
Horseback riding is a fun and rewarding recreational activity for children with special needs. Since 1997, we have taken pride in providing a safe and friendly environment which includes riders with autism, cognitive, sensory and emotional disorders, as well as mild physical impairments. Because riding is fun, children have increased tolerance and motivation to lengthen the period of exercise. And horses are non-judgmental; they do not shun people who are a little different.
Depending upon your child's needs and abilities, they may be placed in individual, semi-private or group lessons (with any necessary side walkers, etc.). Working with input from physical therapists, parents or others, our instructors develop and implement a program of safe equine activities tailored to your child.
Riding benefits special needs' riders in the following ways:
- Physical: Riding on a horse improves coordination, balance, core/muscle strength, both from riding and mounting/dismounting. This increases overall fitness.
- Psychological/Emotional: Learning to control a horse offers a wonderful feeling of success and empowerment. Riders learn that by taking their time around a horse, whether mounted or on the ground, the horse will respond in a more tranquil manner.
- Educational/Learning: Learning to ride sharpens cognitive skills such as eye-hand coordination and sequential memory, and involves all the senses. Many of the skills/processes required to ride are the same as those needed for math and reading and being successful in a classroom.
- Social: Horse riding is a social activity, whether in private lessons with an instructor ( side walker, if needed) or in group lessons It requires effective verbal and non-verbal communication, and trust between the rider and the horse.
Lesson scheduling and make-up:
- If your child is in individual or group lessons with side walkers, etc., we request that you give 48 hours notice of not making a lesson; however, with illness or any emergencies, please provide as much notice as you can.
- Liberal lesson make-up policy -- within 4 months.
Lesson rate & payment:
Please note, these are fees for unassisted-traditional lessons; Cindy Johnson will provide rates where additional staff/services are necessary.- Group lessons: $40 & up per week
- Semi-private lessons: $45 & up per week
- Private lessons: $50 & up per week
NOTE: Lessons are payable monthly (by the 15th of the prior month); no contracts.Contact: Cindy Johnson at 708-528-4674 or by e-mail at doublej@doublejridingclub.com to sign up or learn more.
Registration Forms & Waivers: Click here.
