TEAM-FPC

By God's grace, First Presbyterian has been blessed with a large campus with extensive grounds, including a barn and paddock. As a response of gratitude, we use this beautiful part of our campus to host the Therapeutic Equine Assistance Method at First Presbyterian Church (TEAM-FPC).

This recreational outreach program aims to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding activities. Participating in this program can enhance their physical strength, emotional stability, and cognitive processing abilities. This outreach service instills values such as faith, friendship, tradition, service, and respect.

Led by Curt Stacy, TEAM-FPC is the home to six horses and utilizes the Rider Instruction, Development and Evaluation System (RIDES). Developed by Saddle Up! instructors, RIDES is a tool used to teach mounted and unmounted skills and to set and measure rider goals and objectives, from the fundamentals to cantering. 

For pricing and other inquiries, please get in touch with us. 

Riders

Our riders are our first priority at TEAM-FPC! We understand that every participant is unique and brings their own special qualities to the program. Everyone at TEAM-FPC works together in tandem to achieve the common goal: helping each participant meet their most significant potential–both inside and outside of the riding arena.

Therapeutic Riding Program

Our Therapeutic Riding Program serves two groups:

• Young adults (aged 13 and above) and adults with disabilities
• Veterans, armed forces service members, and first responders 

Research indicates that horseback riding helps individuals with mobility challenges to gain increased balance, muscle control, and strength. Individuals with cognitive challenges can improve concentration, recognition, vocabulary, and task completion, while bonding with a horse can improve personal relationships, patience, and behavior among individuals with psychological or emotional disabilities. 

Participants in the therapeutic program learn horsemanship skills in a rider-focused setting with Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) certified instructors, side walkers, and horse leaders. Lessons are designed to meet the rider's goals in a fun, inclusive setting. Beginners as well as experienced riders are welcome.

All interested participants will undergo a screening and risk analysis to determine whether a therapeutic riding program is safe and suitable. Prospective therapeutic riders submit an application which includes a medical history and physician’s release statement.

General Riding Program

Riders who are not eligible for therapeutic riding lessons can join the general riding program. Riders age 8 and above (including adults) qualify for general lessons. General riding time slots are offered five days a week, Monday-Friday, at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5:00 p.m., subject to availability.

Volunteer

Volunteers are the base and lifeblood of our therapeutic horseback riding program. Special training is provided for TEAM-FPC volunteers. Our volunteers serve in various on-site roles, from helping with weekday and weekend barn chores to horse leaders in lessons. Please contact Curt Stacy to learn more about our volunteer program and how to get started.