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Sprout Riding Instructor Nancy Davidson posing with students
Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center Nestled in the heart of Virginia horse
to meet the needs of individuals with phys-
Professional Association of Therapeutic
country, Sprout Therapeutic Riding and
ical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs.
Horsemanship (PATH International).
Education Center in Aldie, Virginia is the
The center has 15 staff (7 instructors), 18
“happy place” for hundreds of people in the
horses, 135 weekly students, and hundreds
When COVID-19 hit – causing Sprout to close
Northern Virginia community with differing
of big-hearted volunteers who make up a
to students for the spring, the instructors
ABILITIES. It’s a place where all individuals
community of POSS-ABILITARIANS (peo-
decided to see the opportunity amidst the
are accepted for who they are and empow-
ple who see others for their abilities and
challenge - an opportunity for growth!
ered to live without limitations… with the
focus on the positive). The organization re-
Through the spring and summer, Sprout’s
help of horses.
sides on the first ADA-accessible barn built
instructors worked as a collaborative team
for clients with disABILITIES in Northern
to earn teaching certifications through
Sprout has served its community faithfully
Virginia and all staff are certified to teach
ARIA in hunt seat, fox hunting, dressage,
since 2011 – using hands, hearts, and horses
adaptive riding and/or driving through the
carriage driving and recreational riding.
6
Winter 2020/21 | Riding Instructor
