Participants

 

River Valley Riders is dedicated to creating a supportive community where people with special needs connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits.  Our equine-assisted services include therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving and hippotherapy. Our program helps participants gain self-confidence and self-esteem, build strength, improve balance and hand-eye coordination, while forming meaningful relationships.

 

2023 Lesson times are full.  To join the waiting list:

1. The $25.00 nonrefundable registration/administrative fee per participant MUST accompany the below paperwork.  Checks should be made payable to River Valley Riders.

2. Print and complete the registration form (select one):

REGISTRATION FORM for GROUP therapeutic riding lessons or CARRIAGE DRIVING.

REGISTRATION FORM for PRIVATE therapeutic riding lessons. To participate in private lessons, a rider must be able to mount with minimal assistance, independently control the horse with reins and require no side-walker support. See form for additional details.

All participants will be weighed at the lesson site prior to their first lesson. Due to equipment available and safety concerns for the riders/drivers, volunteers and horses, the participant’s weight, balance and mobility may limit participation, the site selection and hour for assigned lesson. Please include an accurate participant weight and height on the registration form.

Due to safety concerns for the rider/driver and following PATH Intl. recommendations, the minimum age to participate is 4 years old.

3. Print and complete the Medical History and Physician's Statement form.  A licensed medical provider must sign this form.

4. Print and complete the Liability Waiver/Photo Release form.

5. Mail the $25.00 check and 3 forms to:
River Valley Riders, 8362 Tamarack Village, Suite 119-440, Woodbury, MN 55125

 
If you have any questions, please email us or call 651-439-2558.

 

For Riders/Drivers Confirmed for 2023 Lesson Day/Time:

Pay lesson fees - select amount from invoice.

Form - Medical History and Physician's Statement

Form - Liability Waiver/Photo Release

Return both forms to River Valley Riders, 8362 Tamarack Village, Suite 119-440, Woodbury, MN 55125


Review: 2023 COVID Protocol

 

RVR will not be providing individually-assigned helmets for each rider.  We will have a pool of helmets that will be shared by participants.  As an alternative, riders may purchase their own helmet.  All helmets are required to be ASTM/SEI approved for equestrian use and no more than 5 years old.  NO BIKE HELMETS.

Suggestions for purchasing personal helmets.

St. Croix Saddlery
5525 141st St. N.
Hugo, MN 55038
651-426-0831
www.stcroixsaddlery.com

Their experienced staff will help ensure correct style and sizing. The Ovation Schooler style is a popular helmet with a wide range of sizes and colors. $69.99 and up. St. Croix Saddlery will provide a 10% discount upon request (limit to 1 item per month).

Fleet Farm
In the Equine section of the store, Fleet Farm has a limited selection of Troxel helmets. We recommend the Spirit or the Rebel because they are adjustable for the best fit. $64.95-$83.95. Based on our experience, we suggest avoiding the Sport or Liberty models.
Before going to store to try on, watch this video to help in fitting: https://youtu.be/tAuhwPRNHL8
For more information: https://www.troxelhelmets.com/pages/helmet-fitting

Document when you purchase/first use the helmet as is can be used for 5 years. Without documentation of purchase/first use, the manufacture date of the helmet (on a label inside the helmet) will be used.

 

Scholarship Program

RVR offers partial scholarships in an effort to make equine-assisted services more affordable for participants who would benefit from the program.  Scholarships are based on financial need.  For more information and the Scholarship Application.