Galloping Acres is local organization serving people with disabilities from Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, Goochland, Louisa and Richmond county that provides equine assisted services. Our primary mission is to encourage people with disabilities, their families, and friends to achieve a better quality of life including physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development through the dynamics of
therapeutic horseback riding. Here are some examples of how this type of riding program works. The motion of the horse stimulates the rider much like the motion of walking. Riding also relaxes and strengthens muscles while improving muscle tone, posture, balance, joint mobility, and coordination. Through the use of simple games the riders interact with the horse in a non-competitive setting allowing them to learn self-discipline and gain better concentration. In addition, the riders gain social skills as they experience independence (being on the horse) and being part of a team (working with the volunteers) our program is small compared to other similar programs. We are building and growing our program so it can be offered year-round.
