Montgomery Area Non Traditional Equestrians (MANE)

MANE is a non-profit organization formed in 1994 that provides safe and effective therapeutic horseback riding opportunities to Montgomery and tri-county area children and adults with emotional, physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities.

Therapeutic horseback riding provides extremely important and effective intervention for people with cognitive, emotional and/or physical disabilities. A rider straddling a horse stretches tight or spastic muscles throughout his or her body. Instructors and therapists use the three-dimensional rhythmic motion of the horse to reduce spasticity and abnormal movements, quicken reflexes, aid in motor planning and strengthen muscles, joints and tendons damaged by trauma or illness in their disabled patients. Riders with physical impairments or limited mobility can experience increased balance and muscle control, a wider range of motion and improved respiration, circulation, appetite and digestion. Confidence and enhanced self-esteem are additional positive by-products of therapeutic riding.