An ingredient of a successful WY program includes a horse of course!

CES provides clients weekly opportunities to ride horses

Wayne is really getting the hang of it thanks to the great work of Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding! Here a volunteer Horse leader assists Wayne's horse. Staff member Christi Yannelli also worked for CES and loves introducing the clients to the horses and helping them gain confidence on horseback.

CES has partnered with JHTR for years to provide clients with a safe equestrian experience

For years Community Entry Services has partnered with JHTR to provide adults with disabilities opportunities to experience all that our state has to offer. This includes regular opportunities to get on horseback and work on their core strength, balance, and confidence along with their graceful, "bombproof" equine partners.

Thanks to the work of Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding, CES has been able to get most of our Teton County clients on horseback or at least 'walkalongs' - including those in wheelchairs!

JHTR executive director, Tori Plennes, was a case manager for Community Entry Services about a decade ago and learned how powerful a support it was to introduce clients to the horses. Ever since then, CES has brought clients out to ride horses and learn so many positive life lessons and skills.

Safety first! Clients practice mounting and dismounting. Direct Service Professionals, like Tim Flanagan, transport clients, encourages them and coaches them through the process. Here he's next to Wayne who successfully went on a ride. Christi Yannelli (right) congratulates Zack on a good ride! Both are making great progress.

JHTR has an innovative lift/hoist to allow wheelchair bound riders to mount onto their horses. The indoor riding facility allows a safe environment for clients to get familiar with the basics. Staff provide a personalized horse leader and 1 or 2 'walkalong' volunteers to assist with balance and safety. Those clients who can't safely mount or stay upright are given the opportunity to groom the horses or walk along side of them.

We love seeing the clients grow in confidence as they learn to ride. The horses also seem to know how special they are and adjust to their needs.

These opportunities are made possible thanks to the generosity of the people of Wyoming and the generous volunteers and staff at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding. To support more initiatives like this go to https://www.ces-usa.org/donate 

Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding's horses are here: https://jhtr.org/horses/