How it Works

AHEAD With Horses (AWH) is a therapy program which utilizes vaulting (gymnastics on a moving horse) to provide various physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits to special needs, disadvantaged, and disabled children. Many of those we serve previously have not responded to traditional forms of therapy and/or education, or are not eligible for other services.

Our riders experience many different benefits including:

Physical

  • Increased muscle strength and motor control
  • Posture & balance improvement
  • Stretching of tight or spastic muscles
  • Increased range of motion

Mental

  • Increased concentration
  • Improved sequential thought & motor planning
  • Improved speaking skills and spatial awareness

Emotional

  • Confidence and trust building as a result of bonding with the horse, instructors and our volunteers
  • Children develop self-discipline and improved concentration
  • Spirits are raised bringing smiles to children's faces

Social

  • Positive self-image
  • Sense of independence
  • Conversation skills
  • Maintaining eye contact

Who We Serve

We see hundreds of individuals each year, of all ages and disabilities, throughout the greater Los Angeles area with a primary location in Shadow Hills (soon to be Lake View Terrace), and a mobile site at Sullivan Canyon in Brentwood. Such disabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Blind/Visual Disabilities
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Chromosome Disorders
  • Cognitive Disabilities
  • Congenital Disabilities
  • Deaf/Hearing Impaired
  • Developmental Delays
  • Down Syndrome
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Paraplegia
  • Quadriplegia
  • Seizure Disorders
  • Speech Impairments
  • Spina Bifida

We receive much more than we give. Those we are privileged to work with teach us all that we know! Please help us maintain this life-changing program for those who need it most.

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