Outdoor recreation grant helps Reno business provide equine therapy to children

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – More kids across Nevada will be getting outside in 2024, thanks to funding from a new grant program.

When you think about expressions like, “hold your horses,” “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” and “get off your high horse,” it feels as if these giant creatures were meant to share a life with humans. That’s exactly why the Center for Adaptive Riding feels like horses are the perfect tool to use as therapy for a number of different abilities, including those with ADD, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

Sarah Brotzman, has spent her whole life around horses. So, becoming an instructor at the Center for Adaptive Riding comes naturally to her. Horses can be intimidating if you’re not around them as often as Brotzman, so each lesson begins with a breathing exercise, before getting to the fun part.

“Horses are not only my favorite animals but they do offer a therapeutic service. So, throughout that service it’s therapeutic not just for my riders, but it’s therapeutic for me too,” Brotzman said.

Recently, the Center for Adaptive Riding has had some help getting their mission accomplished through the Nevada Outdoor Education and Recreation grant program thanks to the Nevada Department of Outdoor Recreation. The grant will support the therapeutic riding program in 2024, specifically funding the care of the horses, equipment and supplies, and instructors to teach the lessons.

“Being outdoors is so important because it helps them foster new critical thinking skills,” said Brotzman.

Before the grant, the Center for Adaptive Riding could only work indoors. Now, they’re able to create an outdoor riding area so that they can operate all year round.

“Also with the time changes, if it gets too dark, we can come inside and have lighting. If it’s nice and light we’re able to go outside and use that outdoor arena,” said Brotzman.

Each horse costs about $400 each month and then tack on rent, liability insurance, and supplies it really adds up. Because of this the facility runs mostly on the work done by volunteers. The more volunteers they have, the more kids they can take on. It’s these people who make all the difference for riders like Tyler Leary. Tyler’s mother, Lori Leary tells KOLO 8 that for him, the horse riding has made a world of difference for his anxiety.

It’s an activity that’s unique to him. It’s a great conversation starter, something he can talk to other people about and just, be proud. He really likes at the end of the lesson, they will hug, and breathe together. It’s just very calming and soothing,” Leary said.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, you can do so through their website.

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