About Us
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Founders
Peggy Freeman, Founder Patrick Freeman, Vietnam Veteran Our Volunteers Peggy Freeman - Founder,Programs/ Development/Funding Beth Brooks - Dir, Lead Trainer/Horse Joel Tanis - Lead Spotter Kyle Jacob - Spotter Tom Moran - Volunteer Mary Freeman - Nonnewaug Vo-Ag - Horse Prep, Lead, Spot Maggie Disbrow - Nonnewaug Vo-Ag - Horse Prep, Lead, Spot Nicholas Kovacs - Refreshments Christy Cairo - Web Design, Maintenance |
Board of Directors
Peggy J. Freeman - Chairman Beth Brooks Christy Cairo Walter Squires Beth Hines Lori Pokladowski Paula Behanna |
Our Mission
The mission of Freedom Rides is to provide children and veterans with the ability to experience the joy of horseback riding regardless of their physical, mental, financial or emotional impairments.
* The riders and students are managed by professional and experienced trainers, and guiders, to insure safety is considered above all else.
*These riding programs bring children and veterans with special needs and together with horses in a world where some disabilities or disadvantages can fade away, if only for a small duration of time. Self esteem can be build, fears can be put aside, and individual confidence can be raised. Many times our programs can allow control to those who do not prosess the ability to control themselves in various manners.
*Physical benefits allow our riders to stretch and strengthen muscle tone. Special yet subtle exercises are incorporated into the rides. The rhythm of the horse often times helps to relax the body and improve balance and coordination. Horses and riders often develop a relationship with each other that is special in so many ways.
*Many times an individual may need to lead up to the ride by attending the program that is designed to familiarize the individuals with the horse, especially if this is a first experience. This can be achieved through frequent visits, or while learning to groom, care and develop a relationship with the animal in a safe environment. Please let us know if that is your personal preference.
* The riders and students are managed by professional and experienced trainers, and guiders, to insure safety is considered above all else.
*These riding programs bring children and veterans with special needs and together with horses in a world where some disabilities or disadvantages can fade away, if only for a small duration of time. Self esteem can be build, fears can be put aside, and individual confidence can be raised. Many times our programs can allow control to those who do not prosess the ability to control themselves in various manners.
*Physical benefits allow our riders to stretch and strengthen muscle tone. Special yet subtle exercises are incorporated into the rides. The rhythm of the horse often times helps to relax the body and improve balance and coordination. Horses and riders often develop a relationship with each other that is special in so many ways.
*Many times an individual may need to lead up to the ride by attending the program that is designed to familiarize the individuals with the horse, especially if this is a first experience. This can be achieved through frequent visits, or while learning to groom, care and develop a relationship with the animal in a safe environment. Please let us know if that is your personal preference.