Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding Program

CONTACT:

40 Baker Bridge Road
Lincoln, MA 01773
781-259-1177
www.lovelane.org

Debby Sabin Kanzer, Program Director

DESCRIPTION:

"Hippotherapy," or therapeutic horseback riding (Greek/Latin: "horse-healing"), is a growing field because it works so well — the multidimensional movement of a horse stimulates the proper sensory, neurological, and muscle functions, while entertaining especially children riders. There is even professional certification, by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Demand far exceeds supply — good programs have long waiting lists, so increasing productivity is a common challenge. Lovelane was founded in 1988 by Debby Kanzer, a certified and licensed occupational therapist, licensed riding instructor, and former Special Olympics equestrian team coach. Today Lovelane has six licensed, NARHA-certified instructors, and over 60 dedicated volunteer horse leaders and side-walkers, who give an average of 41 riding sessions to 65 students, mostly children aged 3-15, most with scholarships. There is a waiting list of 100 children. A successful capital campaign a few years ago gave Lovelane a new home: a huge, state-of-the-art indoor arena and outdoor ring, fully wheelchair accessible. It includes a 12-stall barn, access to public riding trails, a family room with a view into the indoor arena, and office space for its two full-time and 12 part-time staffers. Wouldn’t you like to be part of this organization?

(2003: HUMAN SERVICES: Health and Aging: Disabilities and Children's Disease)