Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center's mission is to improve the bodies, minds and spirits of children and adults with disabilities through the use of the horse in therapy and to be an inspiration and educational resource to the therapeutic riding profession, both regionally and nationally.

Description:
Little Bit is about overcoming limitations,leaving wheelchairs and fears behind, and learning to ride. Riding a horse gives something very powerful to a person with disabilities, i.e. a sense of control which is often missing from their lives. The feeling of achievement that comes from riding and maneuvering a 1,000 pound horse is strong medicine. Additionally, the horse's soothing rhythm, strengths, warmth, and three-dimensional movement pattern provides healthy excercise while improving circulation and muscle tone. Also, the discipline associated with working with horses and the social interactions between peers benefit the mind and spirit while raising self-esteem through accomplishment. The instructors create a wide variety of games and exercises, designed to increase the student's ability to listen, learn and communicate. Little Bit's ability to provide therapy is dependent on volunteers. The program serves approximately 120 riders per week year round and requires over 180 volunteers to support them.

History:
Little Bit was founded in 1976. It is the first nationally accredited program of its kind in the Northwest. In 1992 Little Bit was selected from more than 500 therapeutic riding centers in North America to receive the Delta Society's Model Program Award of Excellence for performing outstanding service in bringing people and animals together.

Contact people:

Dave Glenn, Volunteer Services Director, (phone), (email) Kathy Alm, Executive Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (425)883-1818

Address:

19802 N.E. 148th Woodinville, WA 98077 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.littlebit.org

Directions:

From Seattle: Take 520 east until it becomes Avondale Road. Stay on Avondale for about 3 miles. Go RIGHT at the light at 132nd Street. 132nd becomes Bear Creek Road. Go past the fire station and. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes