Swiftsure Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Ribbon Cutting for Custom Wheelchair-Accessible Carriage
April 8th at 11:00 AM
Brought to you by The Valley Chamber
Join The Valley Chamber, Swiftsure Ranch, and community members this Friday, April 8th, at 11:00 AM at the ranch to celebrate the arrival of their new custom wheelchair-accessible therapeutic driving carriage. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 11:15 AM with a few words from The Valley Chamber Executive Director, Mike McKenna, and Swiftsure’s Executive Director, Paul Bennett in celebration of the long-awaited arrival.
The four-passenger Waggonette carriage was generously funded by Spur Community Foundation, and Heart of Gold Foundation. Bennington Carriages of England were instrumental in the custom build and delivery of the carriage. Unique to this carriage is that it was designed with a hydraulic lift system and sturdy aluminum ramps to enable easy wheelchair access and not limit any participant of the ranch.
“The addition of the ADA carriage will allow individuals who cannot mount a horse the opportunity to explore the ranch in a way they have not been able to—until now,” noted Executive Director, Paul Bennett. “Learning to drive is a fun way for anyone to get out and enjoy nature while interacting with the horses. Driving a carriage works on core stabilization, and overall coordination among many other valuable skills.”
The carriage addition will allow Swiftsure Ranch to expand its programming to serve many referrals who can benefit from equine-assisted activities that they could not have previously. The therapeutic driving program will enable this group to experience the rewards of interaction with, and control of, a horse while driving from the carriage. They also experience the added benefits of improved physical strength, cognition, problem-solving, coordination, confidence, and more.
Swiftsure is one of only a few therapeutic equestrian centers that provide services at zero cost to the participant. As a result, the ranch depends greatly on the generosity of individual donors and organizations like Spur Community Foundation and Heart of Gold Fund. “I can’t thank Spur and Heart of Gold enough,” says Paul. “They have made it possible for us to open new doors to those we couldn’t serve until now.”
Currently, Swiftsure Ranch is the only PATH-Certified Driving center in Idaho. With the new carriage and the launch of their driving program, the opportunity to serve more in need is immense.
About Swiftsure Ranch:
Sitting on 191 acres, at the gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains, Swiftsure Ranch Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a special goal of encouraging the physical, mental and emotional well-being of children and adults with all types of challenges through equine-assisted activities and therapies. Lessons are adapted to each person’s unique needs and goals. Swiftsure is a PATH Intl. member center and all instructors are certified using PATH Intl. standards, research, and education.
On an annual basis, Swiftsure serves more than 300 individuals of all ages and abilities. Many are in collaboration with other area nonprofits, including Camp Rainbow Gold, Higher Ground, NAMI, and Idaho School of the Deaf and Blind. In addition, Swiftsure works with several schools in Blaine County including SAGE School, Syringa Mountain School, and Wood River High School.
Swiftsure Mission:
To empower individuals of all abilities to gain strength and freedom through therapeutic equine connections.
For more information about Swiftsure Ranch visit https://swiftsureranch.org
