Lander University's Equestrian Center will host Bearcat Therapeutic Riding Demonstration Day on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Lander equestrian's covered arena on the campus of the Burton Center, located at 2611 Hwy. 72/221 E.
Approximately 35 riders, both adults and children with special needs, will be on-hand to showcase their skills. "Therapeutic horseback riding is designed to improve the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational skills for people with disabilities," said Beth Wood, therapeutic riding coordinator at Lander.
Bearcat therapeutic riders will demonstrate their riding skills using voice commands and reins to prompt their horses to walk, stop and turn, plus using hand-eye coordination to complete tasks while riding.
Because each rider requires up to three assisting persons to participate, community members are encouraged to consider serving as a volunteer for the event. Specifically, volunteers are needed to assist with arena set-up, rider registration and awards. To volunteer your services, contact Wood by calling 388-8587 or send an email to bwood@lander.edu.