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Eagle Mount creates unparalleled therapeutic recreation opportunities for people of all ages and disabilities. Through Eagle Mount, persons with special needs are challenged to achieve the previously unthinkable in skiing, ice skating, swimming, horseback riding, golfing, and horticulture. Children with cancer are given the freedom of normalcy participating in one of three summer oncology camps. At Eagle Mount the grip of a disability is loosened, providing life changing opportunities for all involved.
The therapeutic horseback riding program gives people with disabilities an opportunity to "mount up" on horses and attain both an emotional and physical freedom. Because of the nature of the riding experience, people can enjoy an activity where their disability does not hinder them. They are given four strong new legs and a special friendship with their trusty mount. This program provides therapeutic benefits and social interaction through horseback riding exercises and animal care. Also available is a cart program that opens up exciting opportunities for the most severely disabled.
The Eagle Mount staff and volunteers create an atmosphere where safety comes first, and fun comes in a close second. Many games are played which promote and incorporate stretching, strengthening, balance, coordination, good posture and physical awareness. The participants are usually so caught up in the activity they don't realize it is actually a form of therapy. Other games teach leadership and teamwork, such as follow the leader and relay racing, which improve social interaction.
An important aspect of the Riding Program is the incredible bond that forms between the rider and his/her horse. Eventually the rider builds a mutual trust and love with "their" horse. The strength and size of the horse can be intimidating at first, but when the rider gets the horse to respond and listen to them, it is a confidence builder like no other. Many of our participants have gone on to acquire their own horse and even compete in local and statewide equestrian events.
