Riding for the

Handicapped
of Western PA
By: Carlie Capponi

The Program

Riding for the Handicapped of Western PA has been a strong therapeutic

horseback riding program for 36 years.

They give interventions and support to individuals with disabilities.

Mission Statement:

To enhance the progress of disabled children through therapeutic

horseback riding.

To supplement traditional physical therapy and educational development

by improving muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor skills,
self-esteem and general well being.

To provide a program at no fee to families with handicapped children.

Who Participates?

Children of all ages up to young adults

may participate in this program.

Disabilities range from Autism, cerebral

palsy, cri-du-chat syndrome, and many
others also including combinations of
multiple disabilities.

Interventions Used
Physical

Therapy for:

Emotionally challenged

Mentally challenged

Physically challenged

Therapies on and off

of horseback focus to
improve:

Muscle tone
Balance
Posture
Coordination
Motor skills
Self-esteem
General Well being of
individual

The horses

Photos
used from
RHWPA
Website.

Funding
RHWPA
They

is a non-profit organization.

are 1 of 7 in the country that does

not charge their riders/families to

participate.
The

program strictly runs off of donations,

fundraisers, and volunteering.

Social Action Project

Why I Chose RHWPA

I chose Riding for the Handicapped of Western

PA because a friend volunteers there and took
me to watch a session. I really enjoyed the
experience and would love to get certified in this
type of therapy.

Due to a very busy semester, I have not been

able to go volunteer yet in their new season. I
thought the next best thing for now would be
giving a contribution by raising money.

The Results
After

I paid for the beef to be butchered

and put the prize money of $250 aside:

Riding for the Handicapped of Western PA

will be getting $1,959.00 donated to their
program.