Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association

Programs: For 25 years, jhtra has harnessed the unique bond between a horse and its rider to empower our students with confidence, strength, and independence. To achieve our mission, jhtra has developed five programs: therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-facilitated learning, making memories, and veteran equine therapy. Each of our services is specially designed to meet the individualized needs of our participants. In 2017, each of the aforementioned programs saw increased participation rates throughout our twenty weeks of programming. Highlights for the 2017 season include: - 30 new riders participated in our programs - summer school students participated in therapeutic riding and equine-facilitated learning for the first time since jhtra's inception - participants competed in three horse shows and one riding demonstration - two trail rides in grand teton national park were offered to united states military veterans from across the nation and their families, totaling 31 individuals. An additional 18 weeks of veteran equine therapy were provided to local veterans. - hosted a three-day clinic for young adults of the autism spectrum from the massachusetts general hospital. This intensive clinic included both mounted and unmounted activities designed to provide a transformational experience for participants to help them develop important skills they needed to reach their personal aspirations. - ten weeks of equine-facilitated learning in conjunction with therapeutic riding for youth with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Our path, int'l certified instructors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to serve a multitude of disabilities, including but not limited to: cerebral palsy, down syndrome, learning disabilities, spina bifida, emotional disorders, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual developmental disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, paraplegia, as well as stroke survivors and cancer patients. To fulfill our riders' needs, we rely on a team of dedicated volunteers. Volunteers play an instrumental role in the provision of services, helping to assist riders by ensuring their safety during the riding lesson. In addition to our certified instructors, as many as three volunteers may be required to assist each rider. In 2017, 150 volunteers donated in excess of 3,523 hours to our program. Today, more than 200 united states military veterans and individuals with disabilities participate annually in jhtra's programs. We receive referrals from teton county school district, make a wish foundation, c-v ranch (a school for children with emotional, behavioral and physical needs), community entry services (an advocacy and service organization for people with disabilities), honoring our veterans, and medical professionals throughout the county. Together, our hardworking horses, dedicated volunteers, and knowledgeable staff create an environment of encouragement and support, assisting our riders in achieving their full potential. Looking to the future, jhtra seeks to upgrade its facility and acquire pasture of its own. Currently, jhtra depends on the generosity of local community members who provide pasture from april through october. Horses are transported to pavillion, wy during the winter months where they are boarded at $150 per month per horse. By upgrading our facility and acquiring pasture of our own, jhtra will be equipped to provide consistent, year-round programming to our clients who so greatly depend on our services.