Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2023, River Valley Riders served 150 individuals and provided 2,230 lessons hours of therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving, and hippotherapy with a team of 200 volunteers, a staff of 9 instructors, and 28 horses. The participants gained self-confidence and self-esteem, built strength, improved balance and hand-eye coordination, and formed meaningful relationship.
Current Goals
The success of our participants is measured by our pre- and post-evaluation process. Our intended outcome is that 90% of our participants will demonstrate improved abilities based on these evaluations.
Community or Constituency Served
River Valley Riders (RVR) provides direct services to people who are living with a broad range of disabilities. Our criteria for acceptance include that a physician approves participation and the activity is appropriate for the individual as determined by PATH Intl. and RVR's instructor team.
In 2024, RVR is serving children and adults diagnosed with:
• 33% Autism Spectrum Disorder
• 18% Down Syndrome
• 12% Developmental Delay
• 12% Cerebral Palsy
• 12% Other Genetic Disorders
• 13% Other Diagnoses
The ages of our 2024 participants:
1% Ages 4-6
40% Ages 7-11
32% Ages 12-17
11% Ages 18-25
11% Ages 26-39
4% Ages 40-64
1% Ages 65+
Geographic Area Served
RVR serves the Minneapolis / Saint Paul, Minnesota metro area. RVR’s facility is in Afton, Minnesota on thirty-eight acres of land owned by the organization.
