Donate
There are many ways to become involved at Liberty Riders, but one of our greatest needs is that of financial help. Many of our riders do not have the financial or family support to participate in this very beneficial program. We gratefully accept financial contributions of all sizes.
All Donations are tax deductible. We are 501(c) (3) approved.
General donations of any amount can be used but are not limited to special equipment, learning tools, and tack.
For your convenience, you can make your donations through Paypal!
Mail your Donation
Please make your check payable to “Liberty Riders, Inc.” and note what you would like your donation to go toward in the memo line.
Donations can be mailed to:
- Liberty Riders, Inc.
- 7103 Gratiot Ave. St. Clair, MI 48079
Our Wish List
Outdoor mounting ramp, new footings for indoor arena and trails, an evaluation mock horse, new or used tack, office supplies, indoor and outdoor speaker system, outdoor arena lights and more!
For more information, please contact us at (810) 367-6471 or email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Volunteer
We need volunteers to service as horse leaders and side walkers. Experience with horses is a definite plus, but special skills are not required. We will show you how you can help!
All volunteers are asked to attend a workshop to review our program and safety issues. There will be workshops scheduled prior to program session start dates (call for scheduling). There is no age limit but we would prefer at least 13 years of age.
Note: You will need the free Adobe Reader (or the equivalent) to view/print the above document.
The Volunteer Packet must be completed before a volunteer can be accepted. You may fax completed form to (810) 367-6498. You may also drop the completed form off at our office.
Volunteering with Liberty Riders is an amazing and life-changing experience. Each rider communicates a passion and pleasure in riding, though often she cannot express such feelings verbally. A smile and interest in the horse proves each individual’s mental and physical involvement in the program. The horses are not merely animals, but friends. Riders love the horses and call them “their horses”. One girl told me that riding was her birthday present and with a wide grin on her face said, “I love my horse.”
As a volunteer, it may take two lessons or ten, but you see the progress of riders with which you form a bond. Verbal and mental skills increase and a wider range of physical movements are possible in and out of the saddle. Each time I drive out to the barn to help with the therapeutic riding program, I cannot help but wonder what new physical and mental feats will be conquered. I feel grateful for the abilities I have and the chance to share with others the thrill of riding.
~ Justine H. (May 2007)
Registration
Lesson slots are filled based on upon the rider’s suitability for a particular class. We will group lessons according to age, riding skills and availability of horses. Lessons are scheduled Monday through Thursday and are approximately one hour. (includes approximately 10 minutes to groom and tack horses, approximately 40 minutes of riding time and approximately 10 minutes of untacking and follow-up).
Session Fees
Session Fees are dependent on each session
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All fees must be paid in full at first lesson and are non-refundable.
2020 Session Dates
- SESSION 1: February 24 - March 23 (5 weeks) (Registration Due: February 5)
- SESSION 2: April 6 - April 27 (4 weeks) (Registration Due: March 23)
- SESSION 3: May 4 - June 1 (5 weeks) (Registration Due: April 20)
- SESSION 4: June 15 - July 13 (5 weeks) (Registration Due: June 1)
- SESSION 5: August 3 - August 31 (5 weeks) (Registration due: July 20)
- SESSION 6: September 14- October 19 (6 weeks) (Registration due: August 31)
- SESSION 7: October 26 - November 30 (6 weeks) (Registration due: October 12)
Requirements
- Minimum age is 4 years old (evaluated by an instructor).
- Weight limit of rider not to exceed 200lbs.
- Hard-soled boots with a drop down heel are preferred. Absolutely NO sandals.
- Long pants (preferably jeans). Absolutely NO shorts.
- Layered clothing (so you can adjust to weather conditions). No spaghetti strap tank tops or bare mid-drifts.
- Riders must wear an ASTM-SEI approved helmet at all times while mounted. Liberty Riders Inc. has helmets available, but it is recommended that you purchase your own.
Registration
A rider registration packet must be completed in order to process your participation in our therapeutic horseback riding program. Forms must be completed and returned to us at least 2 weeks prior to a session.
Please note: Registration works as an application process. Submit your forms to Liberty Riders to be considered for an upcoming session. Submitting your registration packet does not guarantee a spot in the program. All sessions are limited enrollment.
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All NEW riders must fill out this packet to be considered for a mandatory evaluation before being accepted into the program!
All RETURNING riders, please fill out this packet! Please note that if there is any medical changes, please provide a doctor release.
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If you have any questions, please contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
About Us
Liberty Riders, Inc. is a non-profit therapeutic riding program founded by Suzanne Cook, BHSII. We serve individuals in St. Clair and surrounding counties with physical, emotional and learning disabilities.
The program is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) and all lessons are taught by a Certified Riding Instructor. Safety is our utmost concern, while keeping a friendly and fun environment for our staff and family.
Goals of Therapeutic Riding
The ultimate goal of therapeutic riding is to increase self-esteem, confidence, and motivation while encouraging learning and furthering the physical and psychological development of the individual. The riding instructor creates an individual lesson plan for each student. The plan may include grooming, riding, exercises and games.
Each rider is given an opportunity to experience success and pride in his/her accomplishments, as well as unconditional acceptance by staff, volunteers and equines.
Areas of Disabilities Served
Riders of all ages can benefit from our program. The rider begins to learn how to care for and ride a horse at his/her own level which is achieved by focusing on each rider’s abilities rather than disabilities. Disability areas served in our program include, but are not limited to: Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, mental retardation, autism, hearing/visual impairment, post stroke disorders, and ADD/ADHD.
Please note: All students are required to wear safety helmets.
The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
- Helps develop recreational and therapeutic goals
- Improves physical, mental, social and emotional well–being
- Increases self–confidence and self–discipline through meeting challenges
- Promotes responsibilty and cooperation
- Improves posture, balance, coordination, flexibilty and muscle tone
Our Instructors
Sarah David
Sarah A. David has advanced instructor certification through NARHA since 2004. Sarah has an Associates Degree in General Business from St. Clair County Community College, and a Bachelors of Business Management from University of Michigan Flint. She has been giving lessons to able bodied persons since 2000 and began therapeutic lessons in 2004.
Sue Cook
Suzanne E. Cook is owner, founder and instructor of Rattle Run Farms LLC and Liberty Riders, Inc. Mrs. Cook graduated from Lake Erie College with a Bachelors Degree in Equestrian Studies. Some of her other credentials include BHSII (British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor), Pony Club A, 4-H Leader for 14 years, and high school equestrian coach.
Kristen Bonapace
Kristen Bonapace is a certified Registered Instructor through PATH (used to be NARHA). She has been teaching with Liberty Riders, Inc., since 2014. She has a great positive attitude towards getting her riders to achieve their goals, while maintaining a fun and safe learning environment.
There is a bond that develops between riders, horses and volunteers. A bond of love. A bond of caring. A bond of trust. And there are small miracles… confidence, mobility, dignity and self-esteem.
Location
Liberty Riders, Inc. is located at Rattle Run Farms on Gratiot Avenue in St. Clair, Michigan. Rattle Run Farms currently owns 200 beautiful acres (approximately). Breaking down the acreage, there are several alfalfa hay fields, barns and two ponds with about 3 miles of riding trails throughout the property.
The facilities include a 240 x 80 indoor arena equipped with a heated and air conditioned lounge with a restroom and an indoor wash rack equipped with hot and cold water. There is also a 100 x 240 outdoor arena. Within the barns there are 30 horse stalls and 5 pony stalls. Rattle Run Farms has 5 large turnout paddocks to accommodate the 35 horses and ponies that it houses.
Visit the photo gallery to see pictures of the farm.
If you have any questions, please contact us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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Our Donors
We are so thankful to each and every one of our donors for their contribution(s). We couldn’t do it without you…
- Neiman’s Family Market – St. Clair, MI
- Community Foundation of St Clair County
- Swampfoot4Mile
- Tri Star Roofing and Sheet Metal
- Gail Myr – Goodells, MI
- RS Contracting
- Tractor Supply Co.
- Jack Kaufman, CPA – Huntington Woods, MI
- Lampertus, Richards – Associates – Farmington Hills, MI
- State Farm - Steve Smith
- Chili Peppers Tanning
- Line Guard Investments
- Heartland Steel Products
- Heizel Hoisting & Crane Rental
- Yale Junior High – Yale, MI
- Amazon Smile
- Greenwood Veterinary Clinic
- Bill Chafin, CEO Reachout America – Mableton, Georgia
Liberty Riders, Inc. is run and facilitated by the fine folks at Rattle Run Farms.