Hands & Hearts for Horses is offering a new sign language horseback riding class to bridge communication gaps between instructors and riders. The program is free and open to people of all ages, starting at four years old, with no upper age limit. This initiative aims to make horseback riding more inclusive for the community, especially for individuals with disabilities who use sign language as a form of communication.
The program is designed for sign language speakers who may have difficulties in expressive language, such as individuals with autism. Hands & Hearts for Horses is working with a speech pathologist to teach instructors and volunteers how to effectively communicate with all riders using sign language. The goal is to create a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their abilities or disabilities.
Hands & Hearts for Horses has been providing services for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries, and other disabilities. Each lesson is adapted to fit the rider’s needs, focusing on building life, physical, and cognitive skills. The organization aims to make horseback riding accessible and safe for all individuals, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and communication in the community.
