Riders
Riders are the heart of the CASE programs. We all come together, connect with each other, and continue to grow because of the wonderful interactions with the riders.
Please read our Riders at CASE , Family Testimonials , and Rider Checklist to learn more about how recreational therapeutic riding may benefit you or someone in your life.
Riders at CASE
Each rider at CASE has different abilities and capabilities, and we strive to meet the needs of every person. Individuals with varying physical, cognitive, emotional, or social conditions can reap enormous benefits from recreational therapeutic riding and equine-facilitated activities. 
Some of the most common disabilities that CASE riders may have include:
- cognitive delays,
- cerebral palsy,
- autism spectrum disorder,
- fetal alcohol spectrum disorder,
- attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and
- epilepsy.
The horses at CASE provide crucial building blocks for the success of riders. Our patient equines provide mobility and equality for riders who may experience inequality in society. The horses also invisibly engage riders in physical therapy by relaxing, stimulating and strengthening rider's muscles. Some riders experience dramatic benefits, such as learning to walk, after participating in CASE therapeutic riding programs.
The activities at CASE allow riders to experience many other benefits, including the social aspects of having fun and connecting with other people. The life skills that riders learn at lessons carry over into other aspects of their lives. Parents, caregivers, and teachers often comment on the increased confidence and social skills that riders display in their daily routines.
Visit the Family Testimonials section for further details on how CASE has helped riders in the Central Alberta community.
If you or someone you know may benefit from the CASE program, please see the Rider Checklist to learn how you can register for lessons.
Thank you for your interest and participation with CASE!
Family Testimonials for CASE
"Anna-Louise has gained so much confidence in herself, along with the physical benefits, that she has improved tremendously at her weekly physiother apy sessions since coming to CASE. She is learning to use a walker at physiotherapy, and at the last session she went twice as far as she ever has before.
We have really enjoyed coming to CASE. The instructors and volunteers have all been wonderful and have helped Anna-Louise to go from crying from fear to talking about riding 'her horse' all the time." Sherri, mother of Anna-Louise
"We would like to express our appreciation to the CASE staff and volunteers. Everyone's dedication and belief in the value of the program became evident through the improvements we have seen in our son Jordan since he began riding in January.
In the few months that he has been riding, we have seen improvements in his coordination, strength, motor skills, social skills, and confidence. He can now sit up when he's laying on his back, run without falling as often, and jump confidently from 2-3 steps up. He often talks about riding, and his horse Comet, with teachers and classmates. Before, he was very uncomfortable initiating a conversation with his peers. It isn't only his family noticing the changes in Jordan. We have also had feedback from his school, where they have noticed definite improvements over the last few months.
We strongly believe that your program is an important part of Jordan's early intervention, and we look forward to returning in September!"
Tanza, mother of Jordan
We have really enjoyed coming to CASE. The instructors and volunteers have all been wonderful and have helped Anna-Louise to go from crying from fear to talking about riding 'her horse' all the time." Sherri, mother of Anna-Louise
"We would like to express our appreciation to the CASE staff and volunteers. Everyone's dedication and belief in the value of the program became evident through the improvements we have seen in our son Jordan since he began riding in January.
In the few months that he has been riding, we have seen improvements in his coordination, strength, motor skills, social skills, and confidence. He can now sit up when he's laying on his back, run without falling as often, and jump confidently from 2-3 steps up. He often talks about riding, and his horse Comet, with teachers and classmates. Before, he was very uncomfortable initiating a conversation with his peers. It isn't only his family noticing the changes in Jordan. We have also had feedback from his school, where they have noticed definite improvements over the last few months.
We strongly believe that your program is an important part of Jordan's early intervention, and we look forward to returning in September!"
Tanza, mother of Jordan
Rider Checklist
If you or someone you know may benefit from the CASE programs, please com
plete the following checklist to register for riding lessons:- View the lesson options as described in the Programs page,
- Choose a riding session from our Calendar page,
- Download a Rider Registration Package,
- Download Down Syndrome form (riders with Down Syndrome only),
- Return all completed paperwork and lesson fees to the CASE Program Director four weeks prior to the start of lessons, and
- Arrive at your lesson ten minutes early so that you can prepare for your ride.
Please note that a limited number of scholarships are available to help those who require financial assistance. Contact Us for details on scholarship applications or for more information on riding in the CASE programs.
Thank you for riding with the Central Alberta Special Equestrians!
