St. Lawrence NYSARC’s new equine program, “Freedom Reins,” has received a grant for $4,800 from the Northern New York Community Foundation.

Participants in Freedom Reins will focus on grooming and care for the horses, under supervision of a staff member certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship.

When program participants are ready, horseback riding is introduced as a therapeutic option. Studies show that people with disabilities, particularly individuals on the autism spectrum, build self-confidence and healthy relationships through this type of therapy.

Freedom Reins further expands SLNYSARC’s services for children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities through recreational therapeutic horsemanship. The grant money from the Northern NY Community Foundation will be used for a staff member to become certified with PATH.

The pilot program for Freedom Reins is already taking place at Honey Dew Acres in Crary Mills.

St. Lawrence NYSARC has plans to expand to a larger facility at their Dodge Pond location in Fine.

To learn more about programs offered at St. Lawrence NYSARC, visit wwww.slnysarc.org, call 379-9531, or check us out on Facebook.

St. Lawrence NYSARC is a non-profit membership association dedicated to full inclusion and integration for persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities within our communities. The agency’s mission is to offer individuals and their families an opportunity to achieve self-determined goals and provide life-long learning opportunities.