May 2001
Northern Indiana Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc.
The program was incorporated under Indiana Law as a not-for- profit corporation in July 2000. It is pending IRS 501c3 status. It is operating on Lincoln Highway by Donaldson under the acronyms NIRHA, and HAT, Horse Assisted Therapy. It provides riding instruction to physically, mentally, and emotionally handicapped folks of all ages.
We began accepting students last August in two pilot programs, one for children and one for adults. The pilot programs ended in November of 2000 due to the extreme weather conditions. There were 11 students. The pilot program for the training of arena assistants was also conducted with six individuals completing the training. The programs were designed and implemented by Mary Meter, CHRI, the program Director/ Instructor.
We are anticipating start-up for the year 2001 the second weekend of April. It appears the majority of last fall's student will return. Additionally we have received inquiries for approximately six additional students. We will be conducting classes for the Argos junior-senior high school for a six-week period. These classes will increase our student body by an additional 16. It is our hope that these 16 students will ride with us throughout the summer. If that is the case our student population will number at approximately 30-35.
The program currently has four borrowed horses, which are used in all lessons. It is anticipated that we will need seven horses to run the program effectively. We will be looking for 5 donated horses throughout the next year. Two of the four borrowed horses will be donated to the program as soon as we are able to except the financial responsibility for their care. All horses offered for donation are brought in for a thirty-day evaluation. During that time they are assessed for soundness, temperament, and trainability. Should it be determined by the horse acceptance committee that the animal does not meet our standards or needs, it is returned to its owner. The horse acceptance committee is comprised of the veterinarian , the riding instructor, the trainer, and a board member who is knowledgeable about horses.
At this point the most pressing requirement is to find funding for the salary and related expenses of a full-time instructor. We believe that by filling this position we can assist up to a hundred fifty riders per week. This is based upon five students per class, six classes per day, five days a week.
After this requirement is met, the next major requirement will be the construction of administrative areas including a viewing area for parents and visitors. The third major requirement will be the insulation and heating of the riding arena for year-round use.
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