Agency Details:

Wildhorse!

We provide therapeutic horseback riding to disabled clients, and equestrian training based on horse-rider communication and gentleness to our abled clients.

Description:
Wildhorse! is a movement education program involved in teaching horseback riding o the handicapped, as well as the abled. Kari Ann Owen was once 98% mobility impaired from crippling sciatica. Her disabilities have motivated Kari Ann to serve others, and she will never turn anyone away for lack of funds. Before founding Wildhorse!, Kari Ann spent two and a half years as an instructor at Cornerstone Equestrian Center, a therapeutic riding center in the Napa Valley. She began teaching in the summer of 2001.

Wildhorse!’s objective in riding is to teach movement instruction on horseback using relaxed techniques which allow humane-equine communication at both the physical and emotional level. Beginning and intermediate horsemanship using both English and Western saddles is offered to all riders regardless of physical or emotional challenges. Our only limit is that we cannot serve riders above two hundred pounds, nor do we have a wheelchair ramp/platform for horse-level mounting (although we are getting one soon). Mentorship for youth and adult volunteers is also offered.

History:
Client services began in November 2006, and Wildhorse! is retaining clients and developing new ones. Kari Ann has taught abled adults and children and disabled children and adults in Napa, Butte and Contra Costa Counties. Wildhorse! has been granted vendorization by the Regional Center of the East Bay, which directly funds approved client services for developmentally disabled clients. Kari Ann Owen is a Certified and Registered Instructor for the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and is insured by the Markel Organization of Virginia.

Wildhorse!’s teaching approach is inspired by Centered Riding™ and yoga techniques and arena games for both abled and disabled riders. Hopes and dreams for the near future include a wheelchair ramp for paraplegic riders, and service to disabled veterans and their families.

Our program is year round, with the use of a wonderful Tennessee Walking Horse, Echo, and award-winning American thoroughbred, Tinseltown, known as Sunny the Bunny (he came the day after Easter).

Contact people:

Kari Ann Owen, Program Director, (phone), (email) Evelyne Hougard, Secretary, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (510) 223-7068

Address:

40757 Ondina Place: This Is Our Mailing Address Fremont, CA 94539 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.kariannowen.com/Wildhorse_.html

Directions:

Mailing Address only

Last updated on October 12, 2009