Eligibility & APPLICATION

Our unique mission is to provide children in need with recreational riding and equine assisted activities in a fun, safe and nurturing environment. Our participants are not required to meet any specific medical or physical goals during their time here. Although the physical, mental and emotional benefits are significant and quite measurable, our young riders are not required to work towards and/or achieve any specific health related or medical goals.  They simply enjoy their special time with our special horses in a relaxed and supportive environment. We consider each individual’s personal reasons for wanting to be here at the farm. Our program is strictly an opportunity for children and teens who are suffering to spend time away from their trauma and find peace and joy with our horses and the caring volunteers who dedicate their time, compassion and care to them.

Eligibilty

Participants with serious health issues and/or other social/emotional situations that are considered for eligibility can include but are not necessarily limited to the following: cancer, long term or chronic illness, Downs Syndrome, Autism, Aspbergers, at-risk youth, Anxiety Disorder, depression, OCD, ADD/ADHD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Reactive Detachment Disorder, learning disabilities, documented social or emotional debilitation, life transitions/family Issues, trauma, abuse, neglect and/or life altering setbacks. We hope to reach out to any child or teen who can find healing in the presence of our horses.
​There is no minimum age requirement.
Siblings may also be eligible to participate based on availability. Please ask us if you are interested.

​Please be advised that currently the horses we are able to provide carry a rider weight limit of 140 lbs. 

What Does It Look Like?

Sessions may include petting, grooming, and bonding with a particular pony or horse, and riding in our outdoor arenas or scenic trails (weather permitting). For those who are able and willing to ride, we emphasize that the gentle movement and warmth of the horse stimulates flexibility and a natural release of tension and stress.  For those who are unable or not ready to ride, many find deep satisfaction and empowerment in learning how to lead a horse from the ground, and most children simply love just being near these kind, intuitive, and loving animals. This program is unique and personal to each participant.
All activities, on or off the horse, are always centered around creating a nurturing and beautiful relationship between horse and child, and developing the bond that will help heal the spirit and provide unconditional love and support to each participant.
See "Program Offerings" for more information.

How To Apply

Interested participants must complete all portions of the Rider Application Forms packet. Applications should be mailed to Never Say Never Foundation, 906 Maple Drive, Webster, NY 14580. Questions? Click Contact Us or call us at (585) 787-9835. Once your application is received and reviewed, you will be contacted by our Family Services Administrator.

How Do I Start?

Once you’ve decided you’d like to participate in our equine assisted activities program, and we've received your application, we will arrange an orientation session, or "meet-n-greet" where you can take some time to check out the barn and meet our loving staff of animals and volunteers. You can ask us questions, and tell us about your needs and why you are interested in our program. We'll provide you with some hands-on time with our horses and ponies, let you ask questions, tell us what you'd like to do here at the farm, and let us know when you think you would like to come.

what is the cost?

Our program qualifies for self-directed funding.
Cost is $300 per child per session. Payment is expected on or before first day of each session. If you are using self directed funds, please submit your agent's full contact information for invoicing and/or reimbursement to Janice at neversayneverstables906@gmail.com 

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Resources

​Is Your Child On the Autism Spectrum? 
​
A large majority of the children we serve in this program are on the autism spectrum. We are always looking for resources and information to help us do our job in the best way possible. In our research, we've discovered that Autismworks offers useful information and advice to parents and/or caregivers. Although they do offer paid programs, below are posted a couple of free downloads which may be of interest:

Tools for Managing  Anger

IEP Meeting Planner Giveaway

Local resources:
​
Autism Up www.autismup.org

Camp Puzzle Peace at The Family Autism Center  http://www.familyautismcenter.com/camp-puzzle-peace


Please feel free to Contact Us if you have any resources that you think may benefit our autistic children and families. We would be happy to share.

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Horse handlers and side walkers assisting our young riders and horses.

Our volunteers are super stars!

Special time away on the trail...