Theraputic riding. RHWPA

**P-11 shooter** · August 31st, 2008, 02:49 PM

My family has volunteered with RHWPA (Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania) for over 10 years. They are a non profit, volunteer organization that offers theraputic horseback riding for handicapped children. It is a truly great organization with absolutely amazing people who love helping people.

We always need volunteers. If anybody has free time on mondays or thursdays we are always in need of people who like to help. It is amazing to watch how happy these kids are to get on a horse. Some of them can't walk, or suffer painful surgeries, but it all disapears when they ride. No horse experience is required. Just good people.

I believe there is a chapter in the eastern part of the state as well. I'll try to find a link. If you are interested please search the internet for programs in your area. They are nationwide.

RHWPA website
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze8d2y3/id1.html

I saw a chld

I saw a child who could not walk
sit on a horse and laugh and talk.
Then ride through a feild of daisies
and yet he could not walk unaided.

I saw a child no legs below
sit on a horse and make it go
through woods of green and places he'd never been
to sit and stare, except from a chair.

I saw a child who could only crawl
mount a horse and sit up tall.
Put it through degrees of paces
and laugh at the wonder in our faces.

I saw a child born into strife
take up and hold the reins of life.
And that same child was heard to say,
"thank god for showing me the way"

John Anthony Daives

**Lady Beretta** · August 31st, 2008, 04:11 PM

Awesome program.

**P-11 shooter** · August 31st, 2008, 04:18 PM

It truly is. I can't believe it's been 10 years. My dad is on the board of directors and hasn't missed a class in as long as I can remember. My bother actually met his wife there, when they were 15 and now she teaches a class for the independant riders.

Any donations and volunteers are greatly appreciated. These people have huge hearts. They need all the help they can get.

**Lady Beretta** · August 31st, 2008, 05:28 PM

If I didn't live on this side of the state I'd help out. I do therapy work with my mini for the same reasons.. the horses are incredible ambassadors to reach those who need it.

**chesire17201** · August 31st, 2008, 05:35 PM

i've always thought that horses have a type of ESP and know that these people are good people, and won't hurt them, and no matter what happens, the horses always seem to stay calm......

**Atomic Dog** · August 31st, 2008, 05:42 PM

It's a great program and has changed my life more than I can comprehend.

Over 10 years ago I met a cute little volunteer. I was too shy to go talk to her but I remember her looking like a princess.

She still does.

She teaches the Wednesday night independent class now and I work with her there. It's a great program.