To impact the lives of children and young adults with disabilities by providing opportunities to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational experiences with horses.
Saddle Up! was founded in 1989 in middle Tennessee. The organization serves over 15 counties between south Kentucky and the middle Tennessee region. It is a PATH International Premiere Accredited Center providing Occupational, Speech, Physical Therapy, and Adaptive Riding for children and young adults with over 50 diagnosed disabilities.
Audrey Kidd, Executive Director, said “Any child or young adult with a diagnosed disability may ride at Saddle Up! and many of our riders are referred by word of mouth. We do need appropriate medical forms, but do not require a physician referral. We provide financial assistance to over 30% of our riders and no child is ever denied the opportunity to participate due to financial circumstances. In our therapy programs, we do not bill insurance directly but support our parents with the billing and paperwork they require to submit to their insurance carriers.”
At Saddle Up! the team sees milestones and miracles happen daily. Audrey expressed that it is an honor to be a part of the program. “The joy of our children, the pride of their parents in their progress, and the creativity and compassion of our PATH certified instructors and therapists is a blessing to be a part of. Our volunteers are a special group of caring and dedicated individuals, and we are proud that they consider Saddle Up! their “happy place”. It is a pleasure to work with the horses that make up our therapy herd - we learn from their gentle hearts every day.”
Audrey explained that the horse/human connection has many benefits for riders, in particular neurotypical riders who may be working on communication and social skills. “The horse mirrors the rider in a calm and empathetic state that no other therapy partner can.” She continued, “for our riders who are focused on core strength and physical therapy, the natural motion of the horse is unique in its ability to mimic the movement of the human body working in an upright position, giving our riders accelerated support on those areas as they work to improve motor control, coordination, balance, attention, sensory processes, and performance in daily activities.”
To learn more about Saddle Up! visit: saddleupnashville.org.
Executive Director:
Audrey Kidd
Serving:
Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky
Founded:
1989
Therapies:
PATH International Premiere Accredited Center providing Occupational, Speech, Physical Therapy, and Adaptive Riding.
