Our mission is to provide therapeutic and recreational horseback riding therapy for the disabled, including both physically and mentally challenged individuals. We are committed to implementation of the research that proves horseback riding provides both physical and psychological benefits to disabled riders, challenging them to achieve control not ordinarily experienced in their day-to-day lives.

To Participate in or receive benefits from the program, the participants must be mentally and/or physically disabled. At this time the program includes adults and children who are blind and those who, have Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, and/or numerous other disabilities.

Generally, eligible recipients learn about the riding activities through special education programs run by school districts in the area as well as other government programs, including the State of Michigan. Presently, the Van Dyke Public Schools, Port Huron Schools, St. Clair County Intermediate School District, and the State of Michigan MORC Rehabilitation Center participate with the therapeutic riding activities. Through current school and governmental participation, it is anticipated that there will be other school special education programs and further publicity.

The value of the Therapeutic Riding Program is best described by the parents of the students and the students themselves. For example:

"Both of my children's disabilities are minored compared to others who are in the classes. However, I can see improvements in my children and others attending this program." Glenn Sopfe was so pleased with the program, he developed a web page to tell other parents of children with special needs about it.

Robert, 27, was born with Cerebral Palsy and has trouble communicating and getting around. He becomes animated when asked about riding. His mother says, "This is bringing him out of himself."
When Robert is asked how he feels when he is on a horse, he says, "Good, as good as anybody. Proud."

We need you as a benefactor.

If you are a "possibility thinker" and share our vision ofproviding therapeutic and recreational therapy that improves the riders' quality of life, we want to hear from you.
If you are committed to the idea that horseback riding provides physical and psychological benefits, challenging riders with disabilities to achieve control not ordinarily experienced in their day-to-day lives, then you should be a member of our team.

Your donation will help to achieve the goals of hundreds - maybe thousands -of disabled children and adolescents.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the therapeutic riding programs.

Volunteer assistance helps keep the activities at a reasonable cost. Rexford Center is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers who enjoy working with people and who have a true appreciation for horses. During lessons, volunteers help the instructor and students as they learn and practice the therapeutic exercises and offer encouragement to the students. Volunteers relate that they gain as much as they give from the students they work with and find the experience rewarding.