These groups help with important projects including fence repair and painting, organizing storage areas, grounds and landscaping work, computer work, and other facility beautification jobs around the farm. Doing this work with like-minded people, all while giving time and energy to a great cause, makes this great fun for the entire team! NVTRP receives invaluable help and volunteers gain a sense of accomplishment and joy from helping others in their community.
These groups help with important projects including fence repair and painting, organizing storage areas, grounds and landscaping work, computer work, and other facility beautification jobs around the farm. Doing this work with like-minded people, all while giving time and energy to a great cause, makes this great fun for the entire team! NVTRP receives invaluable help and volunteers gain a sense of accomplishment and joy from helping others in their community.
ABOUT US
Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program
Helping others achieve their dreams
THE NVTRP EXPERIENCE
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The Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program (NVTRP) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that helps each individual realize their highest potential by providing equine-assisted activities to people with disabilities, youth-at-risk, recovering military personnel, and others in need in an inclusive, community setting.
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NVTRP, located at O'Shaughnessy Farm, offers a wide range of programs and services to children and adults who live with disabilities in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
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There is an opportunity for everyone at NVTRP, whether it is a child diagnosed with autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome; a young teen coping with the effects of abuse; an elderly adult who now uses a wheelchair and lives with the vestiges of polio; or a veteran regaining life’s balance while recovering from an amputation, brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. NVTRP helps to build and focus on individuals’ abilities, rather than disabilities by providing high-quality therapeutic riding, physical therapy and occupational therapy. NVTRP also offers riding lessons and summer camp to people without disabilities through Fairfax County Park Authority.
For over forty years NVTRP has helped individuals recognize the unexpected potential in their lives. Students improve fitness level and mobility through programs by gaining core strength, muscle control and balance. Working closely with horses and volunteers inspires students to build self-esteem and further socialization, and also helps to provide both students and their families with a sense of community and belonging.
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NVTRP is accredited and nationally recognized by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int’l). Lessons are taught by PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructors who are assisted by up to three volunteers per rider. This type of structure and supervision enables riders to participate in a challenging, physically active sport that gives them confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
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Lessons at NVTRP are diverse and include instruction in riding skills, exercises, and games, while also focusing on grooming and horse care. This unique riding opportunity helps students to achieve an enriched quality of life while overcoming physical, mental, and emotional obstacles.
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NVTRP is committed to building sustainable, inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities. As part of that commitment, NVTRP is in the early stages of an organization wide effort to review operations with an eye towards increasing diversity, equity, inclusion and access for clients, volunteers, staff and board members.
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Study showing the benefits of riding for people with disabilities:
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The Association Between Therapeutic Horseback Riding and the Social Communication and Sensory Reactions of Children with Autism, published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders