The instructor and volunteers start each session by saddling, tacking, and warming up the horses. One volunteer, the horse handler, takes the lead rope which is attached to a halter that has a set of reins attached for the rider, thus protecting the horse’s mouth from an inexperienced rider. The horse handler is primarily responsible for the horse. The other two volunteers, called sidewalkers, walk beside the horse and rider giving support to the rider during the lessons. Eventually, the riders will progress to using a bridle and the sidewalkers will be available but not right beside the horse.

Some of the goals of therapeutic riding are teaching respect, communication, following directions, safety, horse knowledge, as well as learning to the proper way to ride. Currently, applications are being accepted from potential riders. Scholarship money is available for riders who request it.

Silverado Has New Friends – Scamp made his new home at Living Waters Ranch in August of 2009. Scamp came to the riding center from Louisiana. He is a sweet, gentleman who is anxious to start his new job with the center in April 2010. Pictured is Scamp with his previous owner, Jerry DeFatta, Sharon Medina and Joyce Brown. Scamp had breathing issues due to the humidity of Louisiana, but is doing just fine in Missouri.

Riding Center
The riding center focuses on providing opportunities for identified ‘at-risk’ youth to develop job and life skills through a natural horsemanship environment. The components of this program challenge the individuals and offer a safe place to build self-confidence. Bridge of Hope is designed to expose these young people to open and direct communication, respect, patience, boundary-setting, good decision making, social interaction, and appropriate use of power and control. Each interaction between the youth, task at hand, and the horses, require an increased level of emotional control, cooperation, trust, and respect. In learning these skills, the youth develop outlets for processing frustrations, self-exploration and interacting in a healthier and connected way within their communities. It is believed that levels of self-esteem, confidence, and empathy increase, while aggressiveness, loneliness, and behavioral issues decrease

We Need Your Help
In order to see the riding center continue to grow, Bridge of Hope needs your help. Caring individuals and businesses are asked to sponsor specific items for the center. Below are specific items and their cost. Please consider how you can make a difference in the lives of young people. The estimated cost of an 8 week session is approximately $250 per rider, but children are given scholarships up to that amount. Children are not turned away because of their inability to pay the fee.