When moving to this area, a big plus was the availability of therapeutic riding for my daughter who has cerebral palsy. Unfortunately, when we arrived we found ourselves on a waiting list for 8 months. I called Reece Center when I found them online and they went out of their way to make a place for my daughter. She started within 2 weeks and has made amazing progress in the 3-4 months she's been riding. Even her physical therapist commented on the dramatic improvements since Feb. (when she began riding). This place and its volunteers have been a tremendous blessing to us!
I found the Reece Center / Ride Atlanta through a friend who had volunteered there for several years. While I did have limited experience with horses, I was more interested in working with the special needs riders who participate in the program. Since starting 3 years ago, I have become a regular volunteer who rarely misses our Saturday classes. The best of the best to note:
The program directors (Denice & Wade Wheeler) and the instructor (Heather Hipp) are phenomenal people. All have dedicated countless hours to the care and training of the horses and to the education and experience of the riders. Their commitment to the program shows in the love, care and dedication they give to the center and receive back from the volunteers, students and families involved.
The students, mostly children, are the best around. Despite their wide range of special needs, each is a joy to work with in their own special way. Nothing can compare to the smiles and sense of accomplishment they all display throughout class.
The volunteers are an amazing group as well and a true testament to the program directors. The program cannot operate without this group of dedicated individuals. All are made to feel welcome and indispensable, whether there for an hour or two, or, like me, someone they can't get rid of!
The families of the riders are all amazing. Raising special needs children is a challenge yet these families make time to appreciate the volunteers, help with chores and lend overall support to the program.
The Reece Center is a wonderful organization helping special needs riders reach their full potential through horseback riding. As a struggling non-profit that relies on corporate and individual donations to survive, the Reece Center should remain high on any list to receive these necessary funds.