We Ride

We ride to fly. to feel. to touch. to breathe.

to laugh. to soar. to overcome. to relax.

to prove them wrong. to belong. to feel strong.

to heal. to love. and be loved back.

to communicate without words.

we ride to live.

- (author unknown)

             Discover your best self. 

Services

Dare to Dream provides training and education in horsemanship and therapeutic horseback riding for people with various challenges (physical, mental, cognitive and emotional). Developing a special bond with horses encourages participants to trust and interact with the world around them and supports them in leading more fulfilled and productive lives. The wide variety of disabilities that can benefit from the therapy provided through horseback riding include:

• ADD/ADHD
• Traumatic brain injury
• Stroke
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Cognitive Defects
• Autism
• Addiction/Substance Abuse problems
• Amputations
• Cerebral palsy
• Spina bifida
• Intellectual disabilities
• Behavioral problems
• Learning disabilities
• Emotional problems
• Hearing, speech and visual impairments
• Orthopedic conditions
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Dare to Dream's services encompass therapeutic horseback riding and foundation horsemanship.  Therapeutic horseback riding is a unique discipline that brings together people with disabilities, horses, riding instructors, teachers, therapists, physicians, and volunteers – all with one goal – to enhance the quality of life of the participants. Horses move in a rhythmic motion that mimics the human movement of walking. Because riding horses requires not only physical skill but also cognitive skill for achievement, the pleasure and excitement of riding acts to encourage participants to work through pain and discomfort and remain engaged. Some of the benefits of therapeutic riding are improved balance and muscle strength, improved coordination and faster reflexes, increased muscular control, increased range of motion of joints, improved discipline, increased self-esteem, development of patience,emotional control and self-discipline. The particular goals and the approaches used to achieve these goals will differ according to the client's specific disability, injury, or illness. Physical, mental, social, educational, and behavioral objectives may be incorporated into lesson plans.

Standard fees:

$50 per hour for private lessons

$320 for Spring Session (8 weeks - 1 lesson per week) when paid tuition-style

$320 for Summer Session (8 weeks - 1 lesson per week) when paid tuition-style

$320 for Fall Session (8 weeks - 1 lesson per week) when paid tuition-style

In addition Summer Camps will be offered.  Fees  and dates will be announced.

Payment Information:

Dare to Dream requires lesson payment in full, in advance of each 8-week session. Checks should be made payable to “Dare to Dream,” and mailed to 515 Wade Woods Lane, Monterey, VA 24465 or brought to the Dare to Dream office during open hours. 

Dare to Dream can not guarantee the availability of scholarship assistance, but does periodically receive donations for scholarship use. The office maintains a scholarship waiting list, and recipients will be notified as soon as there are scholarship funds to award. Because of the expense of maintaining the Dare to Dream horses, it is impossible to offer fee wavers. Dare to Dream is truly dedicated to its students, and will make every attempt to find a way for you and/or your children to participate in our program. Let us know what your needs are so together we can determine how we can work with you.

Cancellations:

Clients should report to the barn for their lessons each week, according to the schedule agreed upon with the instructor. Lessons will be held even in mildly inclement weather; report for your lesson unless you hear to the contrary. If for any reason your instructor elects to cancel a lesson, they will contact you to reschedule. Please note: in the event that you decide to cancel a lesson, there can be no guarantee of a make-up. Please note as well that Dare to Dream cannot reimburse clients for lost lesson time. Lesson fees are calculated to cover the cost of maintaining our horses for the season; the horses still eat, whether students come to ride or not. Please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you can’t make your appointment. 

Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment today.