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With the help of a few special horses, Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center improves the quality of life for children with special needs involving physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. Open My World is a 501(c)(3) organization first established in Leander, Texas in January 2008. The focus of the organization is to serve special needs children and youth. Located in Leander, it serves children living in Leander and the surrounding areas of Cedar Park, Round Rock, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
Directions to Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center From Austin: - 183A North to 2243 exit (1st exit after Crystal Falls).
- Turn right (East) go about 40 feet turn left onto 269. (Turn comes up very quickly after getting off of 183A)
- Look for KOA camp, turn left onto 270 just after camp
- Go 1 mile. Open My World is on the left side. Look for white fencing, our sign, and a brown mailbox with silver numbers 1020
- Please open gate, drive in and close gate behind you.
From Round Rock: - 35 South to 1431 or 2243 go right (West) right to Palmer/Ronald Reagan turn right (North)
- Turn left (West) onto 269 for 1 mile
- Turn right (North) onto 270 go 1 mile Open My World is on the left side. Look for white fencing, our sign and a brown mailbox with silver 1020
- Please open gate, drive in and close gate behind you.
| | The sessions are individually tailored and provide a safe and structured riding experience. Open My World adheres to the guidelines of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association "N.A.R.H.A." The client's strengths, capabilities and their, personality, are all taken into consideration when determining the structure, the content and activities that is included in each session. Throughout every session clients are given words and cheers of encouragement, which in turn, helps to build self-confidence; improve self-esteem and heighten their awareness of their own achievements and the expansion of their personal capabilities. |  |  | Activities requiring stretching, bending, and balance help develop or improve motor skills are all completed by students while mounted. Depending the student’s capabilities, basic horsemanship and riding skills can also be acquired. The sessions do not solely take place in an arena setting. Students ride on the center's "sensory trail" which winds through large oak trees and differing terrains and a number of bridges. Real and artificial wildlife along the trail offers a natural setting and provides a true multi-sensory experience. | | Another goal of Open My World is to provide service beyond the therapy. We hope to offer support to the entire family. The center has facilities available for parents to observe the therapy sessions. Siblings to have a safe place to be occupied and entertained. In addition, everyone is encouraged to visit and interact with the petting zoo animals. In addition to therapy sessions for special needs children, we offer birthday parties, school field trips and a mini summer camp for all children ages 5 -12. The services included are: the petting zoo, trail access, "hands on" horse experience (including riding) and paper/pencil activities. | | | |  | Open
My World follows PATH
(Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International)
guidelines. |
Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center is recognized
by PATH as a center, which requires a certified instructor.
The center is also a Texas "Class" provider with DSSW and Touch
of Class. These agencies provide financial assistance for the
therapy sessions for families of special needs students.
| | Donna
Roland, founder and PATH registered instructor:
Though the organization is newly formed the founder, Donna Roland is not new to working with this population or with equine. She is a retired special education teacher of 27 years...
Read More | Program Activities:
Focus for each student will be individualized, with their capabilities and condition in mind. Therapy will include stretching, bending, motor skills and balance. Students will become aware and participate in grooming, tacking, caring for the livestock and...
Read More | | |
 Contact: 1020 CR270
Leander, TX 78641
(512) 259-6665
roland4horses@yahoo.com | | | | |
