Recreational Programs

The Arc of Caddo-Bossier's recreational programs combine fun, therapy, and education into one experience.  The programs are designed to have physical, psychological, and social benefits.  Participants can improve strength, endurance, and coordination.  They gain independence and pride in new abilities, have challenging experiences, and meet new friends.

GREAT

Great Results Equine Assisted Therapies (GREAT) - A horseback riding facility offering therapeutic services to children and adults with disabilities through certified instructors and trained volunteers in Greenwood, LA.  GREAT positively affects the physical, cognitive and social well-being of our students.  GREAT offers diverse programs to local schools and hospitals as well as private lessons.

History

GREAT was founded in 1997 and became affiliated with The Arc of Caddo-Bossier in 2000.  GREAT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that receives it's primary funding from individual contributions, civic organizations, annual fundraisers, foundations, and corporations. 

Staff

GREAT provides a staff of NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) certified instructors.  The staff is trained and dedicated to having a positive impact on each student's physical, psychological and social well being.  GREAT's purpose is to promote a healthy and productive life for people with physical, cognitive and multiple disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding.

Volunteers are a major factor towards the success of the program.  They assist students with their riding lessons and help care for the horses.  Volunteers from Shreveport, Bossier Parish and East Texas will log in excess of 5,000 hours this year.  Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. 

The GREAT horses are donated, leased, or rescued.  Each therapy horse goes through an extensive training period prior to beginning lessons. 

Therapeutic Riding Lessons

Riding lessons are scheduled in twelve week sessions in spring and fall; and a four week session in summer.  Parents can schedule their children for private or group lessons.  Both The Arc of Caddo-Bossier and Holy Angels bring riding students for weekly group lessons.

GREAT provides four 6-week sessions (two in spring and fall) for Caddo Parish Schools' Adaptive Physical Education Program.  Students attend with their adaptive physical education teacher and licensed therapist who assist the student in accomplishing set goals.

Shriner's Hospital and GREAT have formed a partnership to offer therapeutic horseback riding to children and teens that are inpatients at the hospital.  The Shriner's licensed therapists and child life specialists accompany the patients.  There are two 10-week sessions (spring and fall).

For more information about the GREAT contact Caroline Hendix at (318) 938-9166.    

Camp Victory

Two week-long sessions held in the summer that include children with disabilities and their typically developing peers.  Camping experiences include horseback riding, sports, hiking, fishing, arts and crafts, cookouts, science and nature studies.

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