Dream Rider Equestrian Therapy

08/23/2025

We are back!
After a year and a half of recovery when ponies were in a rescue, with the help of friends, acupuncture, and support from my son, Peter I have regained strength and began to walk this month. When I saw the deplorable condition of my beloved ponies were in, I decided it was time to bring them home. After many weeks of working on the facility here in Alpine I was ready to say, OK, give them back. Ginger Sparkles and Sprinkles were promptly delivered back to me this week. I now do all the work alone with my walker or on my own feet when I can. The ponies are blossoming, loving a diet that suits them, are living in spotlessly clean paddocks, are groomed and treated with insect repellant and finally can lie down on clean ground, drink finally fresh water from new automatic waterers, and day by day are filling out. Eyes are bright and alert. Their voices are heard in the morning when they hear my footsteps, and I am back doing what I love which is to once again, with all my strength, rehabilitate my ponies and at the same time myself. Finally, this is a rebirth for all three of us. If anyone would like to come and help me, of course I could use that help. Please call me at 619-445-2576 Together we can give these wonderful ponies who have helped so many children a bath and make their manes, tails, and forelocks shine. Dream Rider Equestrian Therapy is still a non-profit charity for children with special needs. We had to close a year and a half ago, but now we are back and hopefully may even (with volunteer help) be available once again to take on a youngster or two for therapy lessons once a week for an hour as a start for a wished for comeback. Love to all of you who helped us for so many years.
Catherine Hand

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07/14/2024

Ginger Sparkles working with trainer for the first time after a long layoff. (it was hot - 90-degrees.)

07/14/2024

Here are some videos of Sprinkles and Ginger Sparkles who are available to a qualified therapeutic riding program. Here they are being longed after a year off by a trainer they just met.

11/27/2023

We are so happy to have helped Victor find success and pride here with us. Thank you also to dedicated volunteers, Terri Segal, Michelle Miller and Ethan Miller (age 14) for supporting Victor and all of us here at Dream Rider Equestrian Therapy. Catherine Hand😊

11/09/2023

10/13/2023

Our new student, eight-year-old Victor feeds his riding pony, Ginger Sparkles her after the lesson apple treat. Her stablemate Sprinkles looks on, and volunteer Ethan stands by to help while instructor, Catherine reminds him to hold the horse plate (Frisbee) tight with both hands.

05/30/2023

Great News!
Leah gets a grant from San Diego's, Promises 2 Kids Foundation

Due to the collaboration of family, county services and special needs teachers, funds were provided to encourage and continue Leah's excellent progress at Dream Rider Equestrian Therapy where her focus, control, reading ability and positive attitude have led to her striking improvement in all areas. She is now being given books to read and written problems to solve in tandem with her growing knowledge of horses: their needs, their methods of communication and their willingness to follow the guidance of a trusted human partner.

She has qualified for three months of continuing learning of horsemanship and communication. We are excited at the prospect of a summer of developing independence for lovely Leah!😊
Catherine Hand

05/02/2023

Seventeen steps to a successful therapeutic Riding lesson for Leah, a girl who knows where she is going.

03/30/2023

https://video.cdninstagram.com/v/t50.39114-16/339104573_884377765968240_322095465195644454_n.mp4?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8ae9d6&_nc_ohc=8pUh6pYFi4IAX8r1nM3&_nc_ht=video.cdninstagram.com&oh=02_AVAXk7fCF5dHOSecyPQBlHdGceuH3z33nTpu2PlG1qWsYA&oe=6428096D

Logan age 5 has returned to riding lessons on Ginger Sparkles with assistance from volunteer, Adrienne Saldivar.😊