12372 Riggs Road
Independence, 41051
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Milestones is a therapeutic horsemanship program that presents opportunities for individuals with challenges to enhance their quality of life. Milestones strives to assist each rider to become an innovative and productive member of the community by building independence, self-confidence, and social skills in a safe, fun, loving environment. This happens by teaching horsemanship skills and basic grooming to individuals with diagnoses such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, traumatic brain injury, Spina Bifida, Down syndrome, etc. In 2020 Milestones served 138 therapeutic riders in the Winter, Summer and Fall Sessions. 61 riders participated in the Silver Saddles program (for riders over the age of 50); 277 students in the 1st through 8th grade participated in our summer reading program, Horse Tales; and 14 vocational education opportunities/summer camp programs took place.
Support from the Dater Foundation strengthened organization's ability to provide lessons for riders, as well as training for volunteers, staffing, horse care and scholarships for riders with financial limitations. One rider requesting a scholarship for the final lesson session for 2020 shared the following about her experience at Milestones: “I have come so far from the timid girl who would sit in the corner and pray no one saw her. Just the simple act of lifting my chin while I ride has shown me that I can be so much more.”
In 2020 after shutting down on March 15th due to COVID-19, Milestones re-opened on a limited basis on June 15th, providing lessons to Independent Therapeutic Riders and Silver Saddles Riders only. A full re-opening for all of our riders is expected in the Fall Session of 2021.
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