About Mosaic TRAILS
Mosaic in San Angelo began its therapeautic riding program called Mosaic Therapeutic Riding for 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.
Who Can Participate
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 six-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 from 8:30 a.m. to noon
Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon
Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon
Interested in being a volunteer? Read about the recent volunteer luncheon and learn about opportunities.
Contact us for more information about class schedules and/or volunteering.
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!
And speaking of thanks, there is not enough room in this newsletter for us to properly thank all of the folks who have given so generously of their time, energy, and resources to make Mosaic TRAILS a reality. You know who you are, and we pray daily that you will be richly blessed for all you have done and are doing!
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 is building a facility next to the Mosaic office to offer year-round therapeutic riding services. This center will provide professionally supervised equestrian activities to also include Hippotherapy. Hippotherapy is a form of therapuetic riding administered by an Occupational, Physical, or Speech Therapist using the horse as a partner in therapy.
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