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United Cerebral Palsy's Schuylkill County Therapeutic Riding Program has been providing horseback riding for individuals with disabilities since 1985. It operates in conjunction with Schuylkill County 4-H Agency. In recent years the physical and psychological benefits of therapeutic riding have been widely recognized. Riding therapy does more than just teach the students to ride a horse. The warmth and motion of the horse relaxes spastic muscles and mobilizes stiff joints. The horse's rhythmic walk is similar to mans', and is very beneficial for those who are unable to walk on their own. Other benefits of therapeutic riding include improvement of balance, posture motivation, self-esteem, independence and attention span. SCTRP is a member of North American Riding For the Handicapped Association and PA Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship. From May through October, students enjoy weekly riding lessons at Long Run Stables, Friedensburg and Swartz Farms in Ringtown.
