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My SHINE
SHINE - Special Horses Instructing Noble Equestrians - is an equine program serving individuals with special needs.
We are currently operating at Sweet Hills Riding Stable, just off Rt 110 in Western Suffolk County. This central location is convenient to both Nassau and Suffolk counties.
We can accommodate individuals from 3-103 years old and work with a variety of special needs from developmental to various physical disabilities.
Our goal is to introduce riders to the special bond they can have with horses.
If you would like more information or to see if this program may be appropriate, please contact us today.
About us...
My SHINE Program started in November, 2006. We started originally with eight individuals riding in our program and have grown to over 80!! There have been over 120 individuals involved with SHINE over the past three years.
Clientele
Our riders consist of individuals on the Autism Spectrum, Down Syndrome, Fragile X-Syndrome, mild forms of Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, emotionally fragile, hearing and vision impaired, Sensory Integration Dysfunction, and low muscle tone.
Program Description
We provide both group and private lessons. The group lessons are on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am.
Each half hour group lesson has a maximum of six individuals with two instructors. The lead instructor teaches the class from the center of the ring. Each rider has a lead walker and if needed, one or two side walkers depending on the student.
Staff
We currently have two NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) certified instructors and several instructors in training. There is a director, who schedules all lessons and collects payments and processes all paperwork. Our program would not run without the help of our dedicated volunteers. There are approximately 25 volunteers that help us on a consistent basis. All of our volunteers attend an orientation to train them as either a lead walker or side walker.
accomodating a variety of ages and skill levels
Friendly atmosphere