Cognitively, the horse provides many of our riders with the motivation to learn new things. Educational goals such as color, letter, number, shape, recognition plus sequencing can be incorporated into riding activities. Socially, therapeutic riding activities enable individuals to interact with their peers in a group activity. Riding and the related activities are fun as well as challenging. Through the development of a riding plan specific to each rider's needs, Dream Catcher can generate individualized goals and objectives.
We invite and encourage our riders (and their parents, guardians, teachers and therapists) to participate actively in this process.
Emotionally, the success of overcoming fear and anxiety can increase a rider's self-esteem. Learning a riding skill will also have a positive effect on a rider's self-confidence. For some of the people involved in various activities at Dream Catcher, the center environment, the companionship and bonding with animals, and the development of new skills are all components in a successful experience. The relationships that develop between riders, volunteers, horses and staff are all integral to a positive emotional experience.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world;
indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" ~Margaret Mead
Center Location: 1003 W. Carson Street Long Beach, CA. 90810 Phone: 310-350-1311
Mailing Address: Dream Catcher of L.A. Therapeutic Riding Centers P.O. Box 41501 Long Beach, CA 90853
Email:Info@dreamcatcherla.com
Our Mission
The mission of Dream Catcher of Los Angeles Therapeutic Riding Center's is to improve the lives of children, adults, and veterans with cognitive, physical, and emotional disabilities through the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities, while serving the therapeutic riding profession through training and education.
At Dream Catcher of L.A, therapeutic riding and other equine-assisted activities benefit the bodies, minds, and spirits of people with disabilities. Physically, the horse's movement has a dynamic effect on the rider's body. A horse's movement closely resembles the normal gait of a human and can be used to produce specific physical changes in the rider, including the normalization of muscle tone, postural and balance improvement and increased strength. The horse's movement can also help mitigate sensory integration issues. A smooth-gaited, consistently paced horse can provide the input needed to help a rider establish a rhythm. A rough-gaited horse may provide the stimulation needed to help organize and integrate sensory input. Analyzation of movement while on a horse can help improve overall body awareness.
Dream Catcher of Los Angeles Therapeutic Riding Center is a Certified Center Member of PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) offering Equine Assisted Activites and Therapies.
SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS & DONORS!