New Kingdom Trailriders Is Open And Ready To Ride Again
New Kingdom Trailriders, the Quad Cities’ only PATH accredited therapeutic horseback riding facility reopened June 1st after suspending all programming on March 18, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing that riders and community members were struggling physically, mentally, and emotionally due to the shelter-in-place guidelines it was important as an organization, whose mission it is to empower individuals, to begin offering their equine assisted activities safely and securely as soon as possible.
Rider and volunteer Cathy Bewley experienced increased anxiety, depression, and fear during the shelter-in-place order spending multiple days not able to leave her bed. “When the call came that New Kingdom Trailriders would be reopening I sat up and cried for most of the afternoon. New Kingdom Trailriders has given me a renewal of life. They were there for me when my husband died four years ago and are here for me today. The simple act of being able to groom the horses brings me peace. I hope more people are able to take advantage of what hugging a horse can do for the body and soul of those who are suffering.”
Much effort went into the planning and preparation for their reopening. Following the guidelines set forth by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the CDC staff outlined precautions and adapted new procedures to ensure the health and wellbeing of all individuals while at their facility. “The safety of our riders and volunteers is paramount,” said Rider and Volunteer Coordinator, Monika Sauer. “Three different Zoom meetings were scheduled allowing participants the chance to ask questions thus ensuring everyone understood our new protocols. We’ve broken our facility into three zones guaranteeing no more than 10 individuals will be gathered at a time while we continue practicing social distancing and increased sanitation procedures for riders, volunteers, staff, caretakers, and visitors at all times.”
Now entering their third week of the riding session, all is running smoothly. New Kingdom Trailriders credits the success of this transition to their amazing staff and incredible volunteers. Upon reopening its program, New Kingdom Trailriders has welcomed 48 riders, recruited 24 volunteers, and will be giving approximately 30 lessons each week.
Could you or someone you know benefit from the love of a horse? New Kingdom Trailriders is now enrolling riders and volunteers for future sessions. Weekly lessons are available Monday through Thursday throughout the day, with Session 4 beginning the week of July 20. Spots fill up quickly. To register call 309-764-4220 for more information.
