Tall in the Saddle
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The Midland County 4-H Exceptional Riders Program, Tall in the Saddle (TIS), is a 4-H Proud Equestrian Program. It is one of about 46 county programs in Michigan. It was started in the Spring of 1976 through the interest of local volunteers and parents. The initial purchase of equipment was made with donated funds. The program was then, and continues to be, entirely supported and run by volunteers.
Horseback riding, following lesson plans and direction from a trained instructor, builds concentration, muscle control, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Horseback riding is a therapeutic form of recreation for people with mental, emotional, learning, hearing, visual and physical impairments. We offer weekly classes during Spring and Fall Sessions at local privately owned farms. Privately owned horses, tested by instructors prior to use in the program, provide the mounts for our riders. Our instructors receive their certification from the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center in Augusta, MI, and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl). In addition, they maintain 4-H Proud Equestrian Program (PEP) certification to teach in Michigan by attending a mandatory bi-annual Instructor Update sponsored by MSU Extension. |
Spring 2025 Details
Program dates: Wednesdays April 9 - May 28 6-8 pm New Volunteer Training: TBD |
The Midland County Tall in the Saddle program is in need of horses for our program!
Looking for horses that are….
* Quiet, healthy and that readily adapt to new situations
* Enjoy standing while being groomed and tacked
* Tolerant of riders who may not be perfectly balanced at all times
* Ideally between ages 8-18 yrs old
* Approximately 14-16 hands
* Will need horses for two hours of classes on Wednesdays (6:00-8:00 pm) for approximately eight weeks in the Spring and/or Fall
* Not necessary to be available for all eight weeks though that is helpful
FOR MORE INFO:
Contact Nan Spadacene (TIS Horse Coordinator) at
989-430-6386 (call/text) or [email protected]
PS - We are always in need of volunteers as well. Consider joining your horse on this special volunteer adventure!
* Quiet, healthy and that readily adapt to new situations
* Enjoy standing while being groomed and tacked
* Tolerant of riders who may not be perfectly balanced at all times
* Ideally between ages 8-18 yrs old
* Approximately 14-16 hands
* Will need horses for two hours of classes on Wednesdays (6:00-8:00 pm) for approximately eight weeks in the Spring and/or Fall
* Not necessary to be available for all eight weeks though that is helpful
FOR MORE INFO:
Contact Nan Spadacene (TIS Horse Coordinator) at
989-430-6386 (call/text) or [email protected]
PS - We are always in need of volunteers as well. Consider joining your horse on this special volunteer adventure!
A Mothers Quote“The impact of Tall in the Saddle on our son has been immeasurable. Over the past ten years of involvement he has learned confidence, assertiveness, and pride in his abilities. There are very few activities that are designed primarily for teens and young adults with special needs; we know because we searched for them. TIS has been a staple in our son’s life. Kay has been an incredible teacher, combining compassion and expertise that is conveyed to the riders in an appropriate, creative, and understandable way. Betsy and her group of volunteers work tirelessly to offer a superb program at virtually no cost to families. It is an AMAZING blessing to parents who are often incurring extra medical and care costs to help support their special needs children. It is a time when their kids feel cared for and special. The work involved in transporting horses, preparing lessons, recruiting volunteers, and raising funds is mind boggling to me. What is the fruit of this labor? These kids experience a sense of pride and normalcy that shows on their faces when they ride. It is an indescribable thing for me to watch the expression of pride and accomplishment on the face of my son. On a daily basis, he struggles to do things that others his age can do without much effort, but when he is riding, he is doing something very unique that many of his peers can’t do…and he knows it.” Proud Parent |
Special ThanksAll of our equestrian volunteers, participating families and their “exceptional rider” kids would like to extend our warm appreciation to the following organizations for their generous donations and ongoing support.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to our program, please click below. |
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RidersRiders are taught to ride, not taken for a ride. They benefit by developing concentration, balance, posture, coordination, and self-esteem.
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VolunteersJoin in and you’ll be rewarded with smiles and thank yous! You’ll see how much riders gain from the program.
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Support Tall in the SaddleThe program is entirely funded through donations from individuals, organizations and businesses. Check our wish list too!
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