EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program
Visit the EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program website
EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program
Virginia Beach, VA
Tax ID # 54-1693046
Since 1989, EQUI-KIDS has offered equine assisted activities for over 100 individuals each year who have physical, mental, emotional, social, and learning disabling conditions. They now have list of over 300 special needs individuals waiting to ride. Thousands of hours of therapy are achieved through the on-going support of hundreds of volunteers and an instructional staff nationally certified to teach those with disabilities. EQUI-KIDS is a Premier Accredited Center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and a member center of the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV). Riders participating in the program come from all areas of Southeastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina.
One initiative of the organization has been the creation of a Mobile Equestrian Outreach Program (MEO). The first of its kind in the country, this innovative educational format in a traveling museum context, was created to "expand awareness through education of the general public of the benefits obtained through horse related activities for individuals with disabling conditions". The MEO houses educational materials and a stall for a miniature horse that travels with the vehicle and acts as the Public Relations mascot at all events. During the past four years, the MEO has been visited by over 100,000 individuals.
EQUI-KIDS' fee for services is 25% of what riders would pay at conventional stables and the gap is bridged through donations. The majority of their 14 horses are on their second and third careers. The equine lineup includes a former mounted patrol police horse, and many former show horses. Gasoline Retailer Gift Cards will help with the cost of the MEO and other farm vehicles; Pet-Care and Animal Supplies Gift Cards will assist to offset the costs of horse care; Hardware, Home Improvement & Building Supply Gift Cards are needed for the improvements they incur at the facility; Office Products & Printing Gift Cards for administrative tasks; and Grocery Gift Cards to provide food and water to the over 200 volunteers who donate their time on a weekly basis. EQUI-KIDS would greatly appreciate a donation of any of the gift cards listed to enable them to enhance their services to the community.
Desired Donation Request Categories (as sorted in the GIFT CARD REPORT CARD) include:
- Gasoline Retailers
- Grocery (Kroger, Wal-Mart, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, The Fresh Market, Farm Fresh/Super Valu)
- Hardware, Home Improvement & Building Supply
- Office Products & Printing
- Pet-Care & Animal Supplies
EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program Donation Form