BY KAREN BOSSICK
Swiftsure Ranch will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for its newest therapeutic tool at Friday, April 8.
The ranch’s executive director and Chamber Executive Director Mike McKenna will cut the ribbon on a new custom-made wheelchair-accessible therapeutic driving carriage at 11:15 a.m. A brief demonstration is planned.
The four-passenger Waggonette carriage built by Bennington Carriages of England was funded by the Wood River Valley’s Spur Community Foundation and Heart of Gold Foundation. It has a hydraulic lift system and sturdy aluminum ramps that enable easy wheelchair access.
“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,” said Bennett, who will make a few remarks at the event along with McKenna. “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 addition of the carriage will allow Swiftsure Ranch to expand its programming to those who could not benefit from the equine-assisted activities the ranch has traditionally provided. Drivers will get to experience the benefits of being able to control a horse, even as they gain physical strength, cognition, problem solving skills, coordination and confidence.
Swiftsure Ranch is the only PATH-Certified Driving center in Idaho. It’s also one of only a few therapeutic equestrian centers that provide services free of charge.
Swiftsure provides therapeutic riding activities to more than 300 individuals of all ages and abilities each year. Clients include children involved with Camp Rainbow Gold, veterans involved with Higher Ground and school children involved with NAMI and the Idaho School of the Deaf and Blind, as well as students in SAGE School, Syringa Mountain School and Wood River High School.
“I can’t thank Spur and Heart of Gold enough,” said Bennett. “They have made it possible for us to open new doors to those we couldn’t serve until now.”
Those who wish to attend the ribbon cutting will find the 191-acre ranch at 114 Calypso Lane off Highway 75 a few miles south of Bellevue. Look for the big American flag.