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Westwind 4-H Riding for the Handicapped was organized and began classes in October 1978. It has been providing horseback riding instruction for children with physical disabilities since its inception. Riders, ages 5 to 19 years, are eligible to participate. Volunteers come from all walks of life. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age to help out.
The 4-H program is a year-round program. Riding sessions during fall, winter, and spring. Riding sessions are eight weeks long, and a different set of riders and volunteers come on each Monday and Thursday. A shorter summer session is held during the month of July.
Westwind Community Barn in Los Altos Hills is the home base of the Westwind 4-H riding program. The 4-H club (through Westwind Riding Institute) owns its own horses and has, thanks to the funding support of five local foundations, a fully equipped 4-H barn.
The program: builds confidence and self esteem; develops coordination and balance; affords freedom of mobility not usually available to people with disabilities; offers outdoor fun and a sense of accomplishment; allows people with and without disabilities in the community to work together; and allows riders to develop horsemanship skills and independence in riding to the extent of each individual child's abilities.
