Volunteer Orientation
We are hosting volunteer orientations for people interested in learning more about the program. Orientation will be held at the farm located at 1549 Old Hillsboro Road in Franklin, Tennessee. Please check our Calendar for dates for the next volunteer orientation.
What is NARHA? Many times you will see a reference to NARHA in Saddle Up!’s literature. NARHA, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, is a non-profit organization founded in 1969 to promote and support therapeutic riding in the United States and Canada. Saddle Up!’s founders based our organization on their directives, and we are proud to be a NARHA Center. We continue to follow their leadership in areas of certification, accreditation and best practices for safety. At over 650 NARHA centers, more than 30,000 individuals with disabilities find multiple benefits through contact with over 5,500 special horses. In addition, NAHRA helps interested people start and maintain successful programs. NARHA centers range from small, one-person programs to large operations with several instructors, licensed therapists and many volunteers. Over 80% of all people working at these centers are volunteers.
In addition to therapeutic riding, NARHA centers may offer any number of equine assisted activities such as driving, vaulting, equine facilitated psychotherapy, trail riding, and competition or stable management. NARHA is the accrediting organization for Easter Seals' camps with equine activities. Other organizations participating in NARHA riding programs include the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Special Olympics, Spina Bifida Association and United Cerebral Palsy. The benefits that NARHA membership provides for Saddle Up! include:
Center accreditation to ensure the highest safety standards
An instructor certification program
Leadership and guidance in organizational management
Standards to maintain a safe environment for all participants
Guidelines to select riders suitable for equine assisted activities
Educational resources including regional workshops