Therapy patients looking for support to keep riding program

A non-profit using horses to help those with special needs is trying to find a home of their own.

The Innovative Therapeutic Riding Program left its donated facility earlier in February and now needs the community’s help.

One of the program’s directors, Val Seeley, explained why keeping up with the funding has been challenging.

“It’s expensive to run a program like this,” Seeley said. “As a non-profit, we try to keep our rider fees low.”

Carissa Coats became involved with the program after hearing it could help her five year old daughter who struggles with cerebral palsy.

Already, she has seen tremendous growth, and Coats is now trying to help save the program.

“I remember looking at her at one point and her arms were in the air as she was riding the horse without having to hold on,” Coats said. “I just remember thinking, ‘wow, they are doing something so special for the members of our community.’ It impacts so many members of our community. I’m not the only parent of a child with special needs.”

Coats added, this program also helps anyone struggling with ADHD and autism, to name a few.

Seeley said they have hundreds of patients between four and 70 years old who will be losing this service if they don’t acquire enough funds to keep it going.

There will be a fundraiser event happening Wednesday night from 7 P.M. until 9 P.M.

The group will be showing the movie “Unbridled” at the Paramount Theatre in Idaho Falls. This is the first time the movie will be shown in local theaters, and admission is by donation.

There will be prizes for the first 10 people who attend.

If you’d like to donate online or for more information about the program, click here.