This project funds our ongoing programs including hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, occupational therapy and speech/language therapy. Therapeutic riding develops the whole person - physically, cognitively and emotionally. When riding a horse the human body moves as if it is actually walking, engaging muscles and nerves in a natural response to the body’s activity, and opening up previously blocked physical and cognitive responses. This repetitive motion cannot be simulated by a piece of gym equipment or therapy tool. Opportunities for effective long-term therapy and recreation for children with disabilities are difficult to find and place financial burden on families already struggling to meet medical/ physical care needs. At the Shea Center we keep program fees low. The average cost of providing a 10-week session is $2,000 per child, for which we charge only $400 and seek private funding for the remaining $1,600. For families who cannot pay the $400 fee (30% of our client families), we offer additional financial aid. Private funding and trained volunteers are essential to our ongoing success. Lesson fees account for only 14% of our annual operating revenue. In 2010 we will serve at least 400 children through our therapeutic riding programs and raise more than $1,000,000 in program funding from private sources. We will also increase community awareness of the needs of people with disabilities and the benefits of therapeutic riding through ongoing outreach efforts. Our programs are provided year-round in four, 10-11 week sessions. To accommodate the gradual rate of physical and cognitive development of our clients, riders may take additional sessions for as long as they derive therapeutic benefit. The typical length of treatment is seven to nine years. Our effective and affordable, long-term equine based therapeutic services help our clients reach their fill potential through improved physical and emotional health and increased cognitive development.