Parks and Recreation offers a “Summer Horse Experience” at Hearts

This summer, Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation offered a special program called “Summer Horse Experience”, for children ages 8 to 18, in collaboration with Hearts.  This innovative collaboration gave 63 children the opportunity to groom, tack, ride, and bond with a horse while also enjoying horse-related games and craft activities. 

 A unique aspect of this horseback riding camp is that it brings together children who have special needs with their peers who do not have special needs.  The kids are all empowered equally by the experience of riding. They enjoy learning about the different breeds, strengths, and personalities of the horses, which translates into an appreciation for their own similarities and differences.

 The Summer Horse Experience was one of our most popular programs this summer, said Jason Bryan, Senior Recreation Supervisor at Parks and Recreation.  We have received very positive feedback from the campers, and look forward to offering this camp again next summer.

We are very proud of and grateful for the many volunteers who helped make this program possible.

Thank you for your enthusiasm, creativity, and caring.