Saddle Up: Unique Therapy Program Helps People with Disabilities

According to data from the 2000 Census, nearly one in five people in the U.S. has some form of disability. Adults and children alike often seek out alternative forms of therapy as a way of coping with mental and physical disabilities.

One such program is , an organization that uses horseback riding as a form of therapy for individuals with disabilities.

St. Peters resident Jeane Whittenburg has been volunteering with the Wentzville organization for 26 years. Whittenburg said she is a certified riding instructor and has always had a love of horses.

“It’s the most rewarding program I’ve ever been a part of, the people are dedicated and know what they’re doing,” Whittenburg said of the non-profit organization.

An exercise in therapy

Founded 37 years ago, the program employs hippotherapy, or exercising on the horse, Whittenburg said. One of the benefits of therapeutic riding is that it allows those with physical disabilities to participate in recreational activities.

“Under most circumstances, a person can begin riding on their first day of the therapeutic program,” she said.

Whittenburg said she got involved with the non-profit in 1985, when she saw an ad on TV. 

In addition to her time at Therapeutic Horsemanship, Whittenburg has also been a volunteer with Daughters of the American Revolution since 1966. Whittenburg is native to Oklahoma, where she grew up around horses, but has lived in Missouri since 1970.

A full life

Before she became a full-time volunteer and horsewoman, Whittenburg worked as a paralegal for 25 years. When she is not working with horses, Whittenburg creates art work.

She works in several mediums including pencil and acrylic and has shown her work at , and had her pieces displayed in several banks.

Out of all of her passions, Whittenburg said she gets great joy out of working as a volunteer with Therapeutic Horsemanship. The unique blend of combining horses and people create a certain kind of magic for all involved in the process.

• Learn more at the Therapeutic Horsemanship website

“It’s amazing to watch, there’s something about working with a horse that is different than physical therapy,” she said.

Basic benefits

Whittenburg told St. Peters Patch that riding increases balance and motor skills and can even improve walking.

Whittenburg said individuals with a variety of disabilities, from cerebral palsy to slowed motor skills, benefit from riding sessions. She attributes the success rate of the therapy riding sessions to the experienced riders on staff, both as volunteers and full-time employees.

“The experts at Therapeutic Horsemanship analyze each individual’s ability and select a horse that is compatible with the rider, matching temperament and size to the rider,” Whittenburg said.

In addition to providing therapy for disabled riders, the organization puts annual horse show for independent riders. 

Whittenburg said with the state of the economy, the public is welcome to volunteer their time or make donations to the non-profit organization. Expertise in horseback riding is not a necessary requirement and volunteers get training.

“We’re struggling in the economy, like anybody else, we don’t have as many riders as we once did, because of the gas crunch,” she said.