The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) has over 650 accredited centers located throughout North America. NAHRA is a national non-profit organization that promotes the benefit of the horse for individuals with physical, emotional and learning disabilities.

For individuals with disabilities, equine-assisted activities have been shown to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, motor development as well as emotional well-being.

One center has just recently celebrated its Grand Opening - Blue Heaven Therapeutic Riding Academy in Estacada, Oregon.

Blue Heaven got its start because Carrie Parry couldn't walk or talk, and many of her friends and loved thought she'd never be able to again. But somehow, Carrie learned to ride again. Those friends and loved o­nes didn't say that she WOULDN'T DO IT; they just didn't think it would happen.

Carrie suffered a massive stroke (Basilar Artery Occlusion) at the age of 27. At that time she couldn't walk, talk or see, and wasn't expected to live. Carrie spent two months in a hospital just learning to walk again. Surgery helped her regain some vision in her left eye.

"I rehabilitated myself with horses," Carrie said, "And I think it's important. I think everybody should be o­n a horse, bar none."

For more of Carrie's story, and information about Blue Heaven, please see her website at:
www.blueheavenacademy.org

For more information o­n NARHA, or to locate a center near you, please see their website at:
www.narha.org