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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