About Liberty Riders

Liberty Riders, Inc. is a non–profit therapeutic riding program founded by Suzanne Cook, BHSII. We serve individuals in St. Clair and surrounding counties with physical, emotional and learning disabilities.

The program is a member of the North American Riding for Handicapped Association (NARHA) and all lessons are taught by a Certified Riding Instructor. Safety is our utmost concern, while keeping a friendly and fun environment for our staff and family.

Goals of Therapeutic Riding

The ultimate goal of therapeutic riding is to increase self–esteem, confidence, and motivation while encouraging learning and furthering the physical and psychological development of the individual. The riding instructor creates an individual lesson plan for each student. The plan may include grooming, riding, exercises and games.

Each rider is given an opportunity to experience success and pride in his/her accomplishments, as well as unconditional acceptance by staff, volunteers and equines.

Areas of Disabilities Served

Riders of all ages can benefit from our program. The rider begins to learn how to care for and ride a horse at his/her own level which is acheived by focusing on each rider's abilities rather than disabilties. Disability areas served in our program include, but are not limited to: Downs Symdrome, Cerebral Palsy, mental retardation, autism, hearing/visual impairment, post stroke disorders, and ADD/ADHD.

Please note: All students are required to wear safety helmets.

The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding

• Helps develop recreational and therapeutic goals
• Improves physical, mental, social and emotional well–being
• Increases self–confidence and self–discipline through meeting challenges
• Promotes responsibilty and cooperation
• Improves posture, balance, coordination, flexibilty and muscle tone

Our Instructors

Sarah Cook

Sarah A. Cook has advanced instructor certification through NARHA since 2004. Sarah has an Associates Degree in General Business from St. Clair County Community College, and a Bachelors of Business Management from University of Michigan Flint. She has been giving lessons to able bodied persons for 7 years and began therapeutic lessons 4 years ago.

Sue Cook

Suzanne E. Cook is owner, founder and instructor of Rattle Run Farms LLC and Liberty Riders, Inc. Mrs. Cook graduated from Lake Erie College with a Bachelors Degree in Equestrian Studies. Some of her other credentials include BHSII (British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor), Pony Club A, 4–H Leader for 14 years, and high school equestrian coach.

There is a bond that develops between riders, horses and volunteers. A bond of love. A bond of caring. A bond of trust. And there are small miracles... confidence, mobility, dignity and self-esteem.

Location

Liberty Riders, Inc. is located at Rattle Run Farms on Gratiot Avenue in St. Clair, Michigan. Rattle Run Farms currently owns 200 beautiful acres (approximately). Breaking down the acreage, there are several alfalfa hay fields, barns and two ponds with about 3 miles of riding trails throughout the property.

The facilities include a 240 x 80 indoor arena equipped with a heated and air conditioned lounge with a restroom and an indoor wash rack equipped with hot and cold water. There is also a 100 x 200 outdoor arena. Within the barns there are 30 horse stalls and 5 pony stalls. Rattle Run Farms has 5 large turnout paddocks to accommodate the 35 horses and ponies that it houses.

Visit the photo gallery to see pictures of the farm.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@libertyriders.org.

Liberty Riders, Inc. Liberty Riders, Inc. 7103 Gratiot Ave., St. Clair, MI 48079 | (810) 367-6471

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