Scooter’s Place, Helping People Through Horses shines as a local non-profit organization in Monroe, WA serving children and adults with special needs, their families and friends. We build on the magical connection between horse and human in a safe, structured environment to teach life skills and build self-confidence. Unlike other therapeutic type riding programs, Scooter’s Place encourages child
ren with special needs to ride side by side with their siblings, friends, or parents. We place particular focus on serving children on the autism spectrum. Scooter's Place has been in operation since 2015. We received our 501(c)(3) designation in 2015 as well. While we happily welcome children and adults of all abilities, we specialize in working with those who need a quiet, supportive environment and a more individualized pace. This includes children on the autism spectrum, with anxiety disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Difficulties, Cerebral Palsy or Down syndrome, those who are shy, as well as adults and children with brain injury and stroke. All of our lesson horses are well trained retired show horses, donated or rescued and chosen specifically for their gentle temperament, patience, and ability to work with riders
Rather than follow a prescribed lesson plan, we blend together proven elements from several programs to create an individualized lesson for each child. We draw from PATH International (the professional association for therapeutic horsemanship), Applied Behavior Analysis (a well-proven and highly effective therapy for those on the autism spectrum), and occupational, physical, and speech therapies. Scooter’s Place is neither a therapeutic barn nor a mainstream barn but something in between, offering a fun and flexible, yet safe and structured environment in which to learn. A visit to Scooter’s Place might find you watching a young boy on the autism spectrum riding side by side with his typically developing sister, assisted by volunteer leaders and sidewalkers and an a instructor gently instructing both riders in guiding their horse and watching for the horse’s response. Mom and dad might be sitting , watching, wide-eyed and beaming, as their son and daughter enjoy their time on horseback together. For children with special needs, the opportunity to participate in any activity with their typically-developing sibling is rare (few adaptive recreational programs “mainstream” participation as we do). We know this has tremendous value for the child with special needs...and for the entire family. Stacey Shanley, whose son Matthew, age 11 with autism, and daughter Noel, age 9, both ride at Scooter’s Place, says, “They are so close in age but it is difficult to find an activity they can do together. That’s what I like about Scooter’s Place. They tailor the program to each child and both get support. Noel is typically developing but she’s timid. This is something they can do together as brother and sister and I can take both of them to just one place. They’re gaining a sense of responsibility as they learn to groom their horse and do chores which are part of their lesson. The instructors go out of their way to make it better, to get to know Matthew, and Noel. Matthew started out trying to get a reaction out of everyone. But his anxiety is gone now and he talks to everybody. Noel is more confident too! I’ve tried lots of other programs for my kids. At Scooter’s Place, they just “get it.” That one little hour Matthew and Noel spend together is so nice to see as a parent. With other activities, I have to be right there supporting Matthew. Here, he’s supported and so is Noel and that gives me peace of mind as a parent.”
Lessons are made up of volunteers adults and youth 14 years and up that dedicate their time and attention each month as leaders and side walkers. Each giving time for continued education which makes it possible for us to tailor each of our lessons to the individual needs of each rider. Our dedicated group of volunteers form special relationships with the riders that they serve each week making for a welcoming comfortable environment for the whole family. We believe in inclusion for camps and lessons because it is a wonderful experience for all kids. We let siblings ride together and we can offer a parent and child session together as well. We are here to do what works for our families! We are happy to have families bring along their ABA therapist or aide to work with our instructor and volunteers in the arena to lessen the child’s anxiety. We also offer “Day on the Farm” for current or future students to help them get acquainted with our program. Our annual budget is not met through tuitions. Donations are needed and easy to make from our page or on the Scooter's Place website.
