Popular Equestrian Riding Program Accepting Riders With Special Needs

By Lorraine Swanson (Patch Staff)

There is still room for riders on the "Holistic Riding Equestrian Team," which is now accepting applications from children, teens and adults from around the Chicago area. The hour-long sessions for riders with cognitive and physical disabilities take place at beautiful Kopping Farm in Lemont.

The program was implemented and coordinated last year by PATH-certified horseback instructor, Marlene Karman, who leads a team of volunteers in working with the riders.

“We are so excited to have access to two indoor arenas and a competition- sized outdoor arena for our athletes’ comfort and safety,” Karman said. “Kopping Farm is one of the few remaining facilities in Chicago area adjacent to hundreds of miles of forest preserve trails outside our barn. Our riders enjoy the peace and beauty of nature while they learn to ride, trust and communicate with their horse.”

The extremely popular therapeutic riding program, which debuted last year at Chicago High School for the Agricultural Sciences, trained riders who brought home eight gold medals from Special Olympics Illinois 2015 fall games.

Holistic Equestrian Team riders and volunteers give therapy horses Baldy, Shiloh and Jane some TLC before their lesson. | Photo by Rachel Owen/Imageicon Photography

The equine assisted animal therapy program provides opportunities for riders with special needs to develop riding skills, while benefiting from improved physical fitness, core stability, increased self confidence, communication skills and an enhanced ability to follow directions.

“Experiencing a sense of responsibility for their 1,000-pound horse is very powerful,” Kurman said. “In many situations, this is the first time in our riders’ lives that they have complete control over something totally dependent on them.”

Kopping Farm, 12310 115th St., Lemont, is a short jaunt away for many in the south and southwest suburbs. Rider classes are currently available Wednesday and Thursday evenings, at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., and daytime classes at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday, through Sept. 22.

Another four-week session is scheduled for Sept. 27 through Oct. 22. Horseback riding lessons last for about an hour.

Volunteers with riding experience are always welcome, and riders’ family members are encouraged to share the family experience and participate as team volunteers.

Riders must complete an intake interview before being admitted into the program. For more information about the program and fees please email holisticriding19@gmail.com or call/text volunteer coordinator Chandra at 708-271-7032.