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Our clients'
journeys toward personal victory are taken
upon horseback
.... one hoof-beat at a time.
Facts about miracle meadows:
- Founded in 1998
- Located in the Kellum Loop area of Onslow County, just three minutes outside Jacksonville, North Carolina
- Member Center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA
- A tax-exempt, 501 (c)(3) charitable organization
When a potential rider enters the therapeutic riding setting for the first time, he or she receives
an evaluation. Riding Center personnel consult with medical and educational professionals closest to each client and
then design a program to meet that rider's needs.
Some of our programs address:
- Medical needs in which the horse becomes a tool for physical therapy,
- Developmental needs, utilizing the horse as a tool for sensory integration,
- Emotional needs in which the horse is used as a conduit for bonding and interpersonal relationships,
- Educational needs, wherein the horse becomes the motivation for fulfillment of the client's Individualized Educational
Program (IEP).
Miracle Meadows horses, our four-legged therapists are carefully screened for disposition and the ability to work
as a "therapeutic horse." The legs of these powerful animals become the legs and power of our riders, allowing them
a sense of freedom and confidence they seldom experience elsewhere in their lives.
Miracle Meadows offers programs ten months each year, providing nearly 1,200 therapeutic riding hours. Volunteers
donate over 3,000 hours of their time annually.
"Traditional exercise
can't mimic the long-term physical benefits of therapeutic horseback riding."
-- Leanne K.
Lyon, PT
To a child or adult with a physical, developmental or emotional disability, life can look a lot brighter on horseback. The
power and warmth of the horse strengthens and tones muscles, improves balance, head control and coordination, builds self-esteem,
and offers a sense of freedom and equality. At Miracle Meadows, our progam incorporates physical therapy, unconditional
love gained in the human/horse relationship, and freedom and mobility that our riders cannot experience limited to a wheelchair
or walking aides. The feeling of achievement and control that comes from riding and maneuvering a 1,000 to 1,200 pound
horse is strong medicine, replacing self-doubt with self-confidence.
At Miracle Meadows, we provide effective, safe, inovative and professional therapeutic riding and equine related programs
to people from every age group with a wide range of physical, mental or emotional disabilities.
There is no typical Miracle Meadows rider.
Some of the individuals who can benefit from our program are children and adults who:
- Are physically challenged with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, brain injury, spina bifida, stroke
recovery, or have visual or hearing impairments;
- Are mentally or developmentally challenged with mental retardation, learning disabilities, Down Syndrome, autism and more;
or
- Are special needs children or adults from local schools and community programs.
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