Mission Statement
The mission of Freedom in Motion Therapeutic Riding Center is to provide horseback riding opportunities to the physically and mentally challenged individuals of all ages. The program offers students the opportunity to increase social interactions, improve self-esteem and build confidence, in addition to the physical benefits such as improved balance, posture, flexibility, sensory awareness and endurance.
Description
Freedom in Motion, a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc., is the only therapeutic riding center in Inyo and Mono Counties, CA. Our service area has been deemed "isolated rural" by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Eastern Sierra is located at the base of the Sierra Nevada on the border of Nevada to the east. The lowest and highest elevation locations in the contiguous U.S. are located in Inyo County: Death Valley (282' below seal level) and Mt. Whitney (14,497' above sea level). We experience lows of 0-25 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, and highs of 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, with our annual rainfall approximately 5". The population of the area is 18,000, and the land area of Inyo County alone if 10,141 sq. miles -- the 2nd largest county in CA.
Our services are available to physically and mentally disabled persons of all ages, approximately 500 students attend yearly. The riders come from a range of medical disabilities, including cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, developmental delay, seizure disorders, spinal bifida, multiple sclerosis, fragile x syndrome, autism, cancer, diabetes, visually impaired, and many others.
