Red River Riders
Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Disabled, Inc.
N6669 Cherry Road
Shawano, WI 54166
Important Messages
Call or text Chris at 715-853-6449, or email
Pres@red-river-riders.org
REDRIVERRIDERS.ORG@GMAIL.com
Red River Riders
Therapeutic Horseback Riding for the Disabled, Inc.
N6669 Cherry Road
Shawano, WI 54166
Since 1982, Red River Riders is one of the first programs offered in Wisconsin
IMportant messages
May 7th is NEW and UPDATED Adaptive Riding Volunteer training @ 5:30 on the farm.
Come and check us out!
One NEW way to fill out volunteer forms is online. Use the link above and your information will be collected and submitted with ease. The only form you will need to fill out on paper is the medical form.
You can find the medical form in the volunteer packet, here on the website. Print it off, fill it out and bring it with you to the farm.
You can always print off all the forms and bring in the paper copies and we will take care of the rest for you.
About US
Red River Riders (RRR) is a Non-Profit 501 C(3) organization offering therapeutic riding to people with special needs. Research shows that therapeutic riding has strong physical, emotional, cognitive and social benefits.
RRR is the only program that offers therapeutic horseback riding classes in about a 50 mile radius, RRR provides a valuable service to Shawano, an area that has limited opportunities for this population. RRR offers a safe, healthy, cost-effective activity that improves the quality of life.
Our riders consist of a wide range of abilities and ages (4-70+ yrs). The benefits of riding vary from rider to rider. Some benefits of therapeutic riding may include improved strength, balance, coordination, problem solving, emotional support, stress reduction, self-confidence, and social interaction.
The overall outcome of our Red River Rider experience is a fun & safe exercise program where riders and volunteers enjoy sharing an indoor/outdoor activity. Without licensed therapists, RRR cannot help people with severe emotional disorders, but some veterans with PTSD find volunteering helpful and RRR hopes to work with more vets in the future.
RRR history
Red River Riders (RRR) was established in 1982 with 3 riders and one horse.
The research to develop RRR began when Chris Baldwin, a 4-H Horseless Horse leader, began reading articles about therapeutic horseback riding. After 2 years of research and training, Red River Riders was born as a 4-H Club with the help of a grant from the Scholl Foundation. The grant purchased safety equipment and insurance coverage for the first year.
Chris attended several seminars and clinics throughout Wisconsin and RRR became one of the first programs offered in the state. RRR officially organized in 1982 and opened classes with one horse named, Charlie. She was Chris's Appaloosa Mare. Chris was very confident in Charlie's ability to transfer her patience and steadiness to therapeutic work. Charlie was a horse who instinctively responded to her riders needs. Charlie was very quiet, loved attention, was very personable and had very smooth gaits.
With the help of several volunteers to aid during classes as side-walkers and horse leaders, more classes began in the spring of 1986, Charlie proved to be a worthy therapist. She seemed to put everyone at ease and loved doing her job. More classes were held in an 80' X 80' outdoor ring. A wooden mounting block was constructed to allow riders to reach the saddle on their own power, whenever possible.
Currently, Red River Riders is situated on 5-acres of land with an indoor riding arena. The 5-acre property was sold to RRR by the Baldwins. In 2003, the Wolf River HOG Chapter was the main group responsible for raising funds to build the current indoor arena. Now the program has grown to three 6-week riding sessions per year. Red River Riders has increased to 65 riding slots and a herd of 8 quiet, calm sound horses. Each of the horses are hand picked and given a trial time period before they are used with the riders.
The volunteer staff has grown, but is never too full. We are always looking for more volunteers. Our volunteers (ages 10-83+yrs) lead the horses, assist with riders during classes, help in the arena, care for horses/equipment/farm, serve on the board of directors, fund raise, support and promote the mission of Red River Riders.
Find us on Instagram @redriverriderstherapy
RRR COMMUNITY: Our Instructors, Riders, AND VOLUNTEERS
Our lesson instructors have been certified by PATH, Intl (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship), CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association),
and/or UW-Wisconsin River Falls.
Red River Riders helps people with varied special needs, ages 4 to adult. We serve riders with hearing impairment, autism, cerebral palsy, cognitive delays, MS, strokes, seizures, learning difficulties, as well as many other challenges.
A typical lesson consists of riding instruction, as well as horse-related games and activities. All of our equipment meets the safety standards required for therapeutic riding.
Advanced students may also have the opportunity to learn basic horse handling and care.
Our riders continually show improved coordination, balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and body tone. This is especially true for our wheelchair-dependent riders. Riding not only exercises the body, but also exercises the mind.
While learning the skills of horsemanship, our riders gain self-esteem, improved attention spans, and the ability to follow directions. These qualities carry over to their daily lives.
Again, our program depends on our amazing volunteer force. We cannot provide therapeutic horseback riding without a great team of responsible, reliable, & dedicated volunteers. RRR provides on-going training and support for all of our volunteers.
Volunteer Information
Please read the NEW Volunteer Handbook linked below. Also feel free to watch a video produced by Freedom Hill Therapeutic Riding Program. It gives you a background into what an Adaptive Riding volunteer at Red River Riders might do.
We are in the process of creating our own RRR specific training videos, but this will certainly help you know what you might be asked to do.
SAFETY FIRST
Drive slowly!
In order to prevent liability issues, please do not arrive at the farm more than 30 minutes before the first class of the day. If you have not been trained to catch the horses in the pasture or paddocks, please do not go in without permission and supervision by an instructor.
If you use something - please put it away properly & in the same place you found it. Help us keep the farm clean. Pick up all garbage, candy wrappers, straws, anything that is dropped. Recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Instructors need to be aware of any serious medical conditions including but not limited to: pregnancy, epilepsy, heart conditions, diabetes, etc. Please discuss privately with RRR staff.
Volunteers:
Please communicate if you cannot make it to class, so we can get someone to fill in, or so we can let volunteers know. If you know in advance, write down dates (on the lounge calendar) you will miss class. Last minute cancellations email Cindy at cshea@red-river-riders.org
United Way Media Release Form
Rider and Family Information
SAFETY FIRST
No smoking or vaping anywhere on the farm! Even in your vehicle!
Drive slowly!
In order to prevent liability issues, please do not arrive at the farm more than 30 minutes before the first class of the day. Please do not go in the pasture, paddock, or tack room without permission and supervision by an instructor or RRR staff member.
Parents must supervise all children who are not participating in a class. No running, shouting, playing directly around the arena or mounting area. Cell phones MUST be turned off during classes.
RRR staff will have cell phones available for emergencies.
CLOTHING:
No halter tops, crop tops, tube tops, swimsuits, tops with thin straps, etc
No extremely loose fitting clothes or pants that are dragging on the ground
No sandals, shoes with excessive heels or slip-on shoes
Sneakers are fine, work boots or riding boots are best
No wind pants. JEANS are best!
No one will be allowed to ride in shorts.
No dangling jewelry - it may catch on saddles or helmets.
All riders must wear a helmet. Helmets are provided by Red River Riders for use during class. They are cleaned and sanitized after each riding session.
Safety helmets are required whenever riders are working around the horse. This includes grooming, tacking up, riding, and any other activities. Helmets are replaced every five years.
If you use something - please put it away properly & in the same place you found it. Help us keep the farm clean. Pick up all garbage, candy wrappers, straws, anything that is dropped. Recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans.
Instructors need to be aware of any serious medical conditions including but not limited to: pregnancy, epilepsy, heart conditions, diabetes, etc.
Please discuss privately with RRR staff.
Riders:
Please communicate if you cannot make it to class. Call or text Chris at 715-853-6449
United Way Media Release Form
Supporters
Did you know that you can designate Red River Riders as a recipient of your Choice Dollars? Thrivent has a charitable program that will distribute charitable outreach funds to eligible nonprofit organizations. Red River Riders has been approved & we are currently receiving funds through this program.
Red River Riders has been the recipient of funds through several United Way agencies in the area. This is a contribution through your workplace. You can specify Red River Riders to directly receive your donation. Often an employer will match funds. United Way has helped fill in many gaps in our operating expenses. Thank you to all contributors. All donations help keep our services affordable for all riders.
2023 Donations
Lions Club
of Gresham
Exit Realty
Doc’s Harley
Davidson
Donna Dorn
Memorial
Blaser Family Foundation
Mary Lisa Keenan
Shawano Optimists Club
100+ Women
Wolf River Hog Chapter
Menominee Tribal Council
Pat & Ruth Family Foundation
First Presbyterian Church
Dick O’Neill
Memorial
DOnations and wish list
-Triple Crown Senior Feed
- Shavings for stalls
- Copy paper
- Ink Cartridges for Canon G6020 printer
- Rolls of Forever Stamps and Postcard Stamps
- Games that can be adapted for riders on horses
- Gift cards for fundraisers, rewards, gas, meals
- Bottle water, juices, soda, and snacks for volunteers and riders during classes
- Sponsor a rider with scholarship dollars for classes
- Purchase new safety helmets for our riders
- Assist in purchasing adaptive equipment and specialized saddles for riders
- Donate to the Endowment needed to sustain this program.
- Network with others to let the community know about our program.
- Volunteer your time and your talents!
Additional volunteer instructor Classes are held evenings in spring, summer and fall in 6 week sessions. Red River Riders will cover expenses to attend education classes for this position. Must be at least 18 years old. Previous horse experience is required. Necessary training will be provided. For further information please contact Chris via a phone call, a text at 715-853-6449 or direct email at redriverriders.org@gmail.com.
Volunteer Coordinator Needing a person to contact and schedule volunteers for classes.Typically active April through February annually. Invited to attend monthly board meetings. Contact Chris via a phone call, a text at 715-853-6449 or direct email at redriverriders.org@gmail.com.
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