Mosaic Trails of Opportunity

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Mosaic in San Angelo began its therapeutic riding program called Mosaic Therapeutic Riding for the Achievement of Individual Life Success (TRAILS) in June 2007.

The Mosaic TRAILS program is based on the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) principles and practices.

The 22 acres of farmland that surround the Mosaic office and the Mosaic Redwine Child Care Center provide the perfect setting for its therapeutic riding program, which provides therapeutic riding experiences for children and adults supported by Mosaic.

Give a gift to support Mosaic Trails

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Participants

Children and adults with various challenges and are served by Mosaic can participate in the TRAILS program.

Children cared for at the Redwine Child Care center may participate in the 'Pony Partners' class and adults can participate in therapeutic horseback riding classes in eight-week sessions in different levels of riding experience.


Class Schedule

Each class session is an hour long and an individual can sign up for the following days/times.

Tuesdays - 1:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays - 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursdays - 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Contact us for more information about class schedules and/or volunteering.


Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

Horses have a calming effect on those with developmental disabilities or with behavioral challenges. The movement of the horse is very similar to the movement of a person when walking and is of significant benefit to those with physical challenges.

Therapeutic riding gives a sense of personal strength to those people with disabilities who too often have little power over their own lives. Controlling a thousand pound animal tends to build confidence and provide a sense of well-being like no other activity can. Mosaic's therapeutic riding program benefits its students physically, psychologically, and socially.

Physical Benefits:

  • Improves strength and endurance
  • Increases range of motion
  • Improves coordination
  • Encourages good posture
Psychological Benefits:
  • Promotes independence and self-control
  • Teaches sequential thinking and special awareness
  • Motivates by providing immediate reinforcement for effort
  • Develops pride in new abilities

Social Benefits:

  • Promotes cooperation and interaction
  • Improves listening skills and attention span
  • Provides opportunities to meet new friends
  • Provides a fun, challenging experience

The Future of Mosaic TRAILS

Mosaic in San Angelo plans to build an indoor Therapeutic Equestrian Center next to the Mosaic office, which would allow Mosaic to provide year-round therapeutic riding sessions and Hippotherapy regardless of weather conditions.

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This center will provide professionally supervised equestrian activities along with Hippotherapy, which is a form of therapeutic riding administered by an Occupational, Physical, or Speech Therapist using the horse as a partner in therapy.

By choosing to make a gift towards TRAILS of Opportunity, you will give people life-changing experiences with horses, increasing their confidence and the feeling of control in their lives.

Make a gift to Mosaic Trails of Opportunity

Meet Gail Metcalfe

One of the factors that has enabled us to expand our TRAILS program has been the acquisition of a certified instructor, Gail Metcalfe, who comes to Mosaic TRAILS with a wealth of experience with horses and people. Gail was one of the early instructors in the Sonrisas program many years ago. She recently re-completed the requirements of certification as a Registered Instructor with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). That is not an easy feat, but Gail excelled in all of the requirements and now uses her many talents as the lead instructor at Mosaic.

Thank you, Gail!

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