With a desire to share with others what they had learned about horses and compassion, Roger and Sara Meadows founded the TiAnViCa Riding Academy. For about six years now they have witnessed how this program, which offers "recreational therapeutic riding experiences for individuals with disabilities", changes not only the participants' lives, but that of their parents and volunteers.
Therapeutic horseback riding encourages children and adults with mental or physical disabilities as well as behavioral problems or at-risk youth to participate and reach their full potential. Combining education about traditional horsemanship and physical therapy in a fun environment, participants enjoy the benefits of improved physical and emotional well being.
According to Roger Meadows, TiAnViCa Executive Director, the program operates thanks to the generosity of volunteers as well as grants and donations. Currently, the academy operates from a facility in Bartow, which was made possible through a partnership with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches and Clear Springs Land Development but financial assistance and the help from volunteers is necessary in order to continue to grow.
Mr. Meadows stated that during last season, which ended in June, "the program provided services to 22 therapeutic riding participants, 12 girls per week from Youth Villa and 16 from Florida Baptist." The program is accepting applications for the new season and would like to expand as they count with a great facility that can house many more participants.
Mr. Meadows also announced that the organization recently received a $30 thousand dollar grant through the Community Foundation of Greater Lakeland to serve Disabled Veterans. The program, called Horses for Heroes will give riding opportunities to disabled veterans and their families.
" The best thing that could happen for the organization right now would be financial assistance that would allow the program to have full time staff so that classes could be offered on a full time basis." said Donna Orr, part of the TiAnViCa team. Ms. Orr also shared how she would like more people to learn about the "magic of therapy riding and the value it brings to persons who live with disability."
"Trot on Down to TiAnViCa" is their next event and is scheduled for October 21st from 4:00-7:00 p.m. The program will have demonstrations, riders in the arena as well as games and barbeque grill.
TiAnViCa invites the public to visit the Ranch and to learn more about their services. Applications for their riding programs as well as for volunteers are available. For more information and to learn how to become a volunteer or to become a sponsor contact Roger Meadows at 863-581-7861 or check their website at http://tianvica.org/.
TiAnViCa Riding Academy meets at the barn adjacent to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Villa: 3350 SR 60E, Bartow FL 33830.
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