Let We Can Ride Keep Serving Disabled People at the U of M Equine Center
Let We Can Ride Keep Serving Disabled People at the U of M Equine Center
The Issue
We Can Ride is a non-profit that provides therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities that include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries and more.
After five years, the organization has had its lease terminated by the University of Minnesota Equine Center, effective October 31, 2012. This means many urban people with disabilities will no longer be able to enjoy the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding. There is no other horse barn in the cities or near suburbs of Minneapolis-St. Paul where the program can move. Many of We Can Ride's urban clients will not be able to travel to the organization's other locations, outside the city center.
Not only We Can Ride's clients benefit from the program. Family members find hope and respite through their loved ones' participation in We Can RIde. University of Minnesota students and high school students gain valuable experience volunteering with We Can Ride. Retirees find fulfillment in volunteering with We Can Ride. U of M alumni stay connected with their alma mater through volunteering with We Can Ride. Many of these people -- particularly college students -- will find it difficult if not impossible to volunteer at another location.
If We Can Ride remains at the U of M, there is also potential for U of M students of occupational therapy, physical therapy, non-profit management and other disciplines to work with We Can Ride to gain work experience or conduct research with the program.
We Can Ride has been a good tenant at the U of M. We Can Ride pays rent to the U of M. We Can Ride also raised funds from private donors to build the barn where its horses have been stabled on campus. Its volunteers have donated their time to help with U of M Equine Center events. And the U of M has received favorable press thanks to articles about the program.
We Can Ride serves many disabled people in its location at the University of Minnesota Equine Center. The organization, and the clients it serves, should be allowed to remain at the U of M.
The Issue
We Can Ride is a non-profit that provides therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities that include autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injuries and more.
After five years, the organization has had its lease terminated by the University of Minnesota Equine Center, effective October 31, 2012. This means many urban people with disabilities will no longer be able to enjoy the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding. There is no other horse barn in the cities or near suburbs of Minneapolis-St. Paul where the program can move. Many of We Can Ride's urban clients will not be able to travel to the organization's other locations, outside the city center.
Not only We Can Ride's clients benefit from the program. Family members find hope and respite through their loved ones' participation in We Can RIde. University of Minnesota students and high school students gain valuable experience volunteering with We Can Ride. Retirees find fulfillment in volunteering with We Can Ride. U of M alumni stay connected with their alma mater through volunteering with We Can Ride. Many of these people -- particularly college students -- will find it difficult if not impossible to volunteer at another location.
If We Can Ride remains at the U of M, there is also potential for U of M students of occupational therapy, physical therapy, non-profit management and other disciplines to work with We Can Ride to gain work experience or conduct research with the program.
We Can Ride has been a good tenant at the U of M. We Can Ride pays rent to the U of M. We Can Ride also raised funds from private donors to build the barn where its horses have been stabled on campus. Its volunteers have donated their time to help with U of M Equine Center events. And the U of M has received favorable press thanks to articles about the program.
We Can Ride serves many disabled people in its location at the University of Minnesota Equine Center. The organization, and the clients it serves, should be allowed to remain at the U of M.
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Petition created on October 8, 2012