Tall in the Saddle

The members of the Tall in the Saddle Committee have decided to cancel the Spring 2023 program.  We thank all who are interested in participation in this program.  We do plan to have the program back up and running for Fall 2023. 

Reasons for cancelling:  
  1. First and foremost is that we need to find and recruit some more horses.  
  2. We are transitioning to a new riding instructor!  Tamara Coppens has completed her certification requirements and is now a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.  She will be teaching our classes when we return to holding TIS in the Fall of 2023.  
  3. As we make the transition to a new instructor, it is a good time to review and revise as needed the operational practices of the program to help it run smoothly for all.
  4. Recruiting more committee members to ease the load of those currently on the committee may also be a part of the process.
We thank you for your patience and support during this time of transition for the Midland County 4-H Exceptional Riders—Tall in the Saddle program.  It has been around serving Midland County children and young adults with disabilities for 46 years.  It is the plan to continue this program going forward.  We will contact you by the end of May or beginning of June to see who will be returning to ride & volunteer with us for a Fall 2023 session.
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.
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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.

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.”
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Proud Parent

Special Thanks

​All 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.
  • Midland Kiwanis
  • Kiwassi Kiwanis
  • Knights of Columbus #4121
  • Horse Tales 4-H Youth Group
  • Midland Civitan Club
  • Tri-County Horse Association
  • The Ladies of Blessed Sacrament
  • Thelen Inc
  • Servinski Sod Services Inc.
  • Plastic Surgery Institute of Mid-Michigan PC
  • Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Kiwassee Kiwansis Junior Youth Committee
  • Valley Electrical Contractors, Inc.

​If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to our program, please click below.

Riders

Riders are taught to ride, not taken for a ride. They benefit by developing concentration, balance, posture, coordination, and self-esteem.

Volunteers

Join in and you’ll be rewarded with smiles and thank yous!  You’ll see how much riders gain from the program.

Support Tall in the Saddle

The program is entirely funded through donations from individuals, organizations and businesses.  Check our wish list too!
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.