You Really CAN Lead a Horse to Water

ANNE SPRINGS CLOSE GREENWAY OFFERS EQUINE PROGRAMS FOR EVERYONE

By: Anne Springs Close Greenway

On a Wednesday morning at the stables of the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, riders are saddled up to horses on special ramps that make it easier to mount. The High Five Club of the Adult Enrichment Center at Rock Hill is here for its weekly ride with the Exceptional Equestrians program. The Greenway Stables is a family-friendly working horse farm, owned and operated by the Anne Springs Close Greenway. Situated on over 2,100 acres featuring 12 miles of equestrian trails, the Greenway Stables is a true area treasure. From September - May, choose from guided trail rides, private and group riding lessons, lead line horse rides and more. The Exceptional Equestrians program at the Greenway serves area children and adults with special needs, offering them the opportunity to ride horses through the trails and practice techniques in the riding ring. The program was created in 1982 by Anne Springs Close, Greenway founder and namesake, who fostered a partnership with Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) to offer therapeutic riding for local children and adults with disabilities. The program now includes participants from the Fort Mill School District and Rock Hill PRT. Participants attend every week during the season, building up confidence and making friends along the way. The Greenway stable offers many other programs for novice and expert riders.

GREENWAY DISCOVERY SCHOOL

In response to the unique schedule of the 2020-2021 school year, the Anne Springs Close Greenway has created the Greenway Discovery School to help meet the needs of families in the Fort Mill School District and beyond. Located at the Greenway’s Adventure Center, this alternate day program will offer middle school students (Grades 6 – 8) utilizing the in-school A/B schedule the opportunity to spend their non-school day in a structured, fun environment. Staffed by Greenway camp and childcare employees, the Greenway Discovery School will provide children with several different academic and recreational opportunities each day. Through both technology and the staff direction, students will be kept on track academically and participate in numerous elective programs in what is sure to be a full and productive day. With a COVID plan in place that follows necessary CDC guidelines including additional sanitation

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGY’S BRAIN&LIFE MAGAZINE SAYS THERAPEUTIC HORSE RIDING OFFERS CORE SKILLS, STRENGTHENS MUSCLES AND BOOSTS MOODS.

The Exceptional Equestrians program serves children and adults with special needs, offering them the opportunity to ride horses through the trails and practice techniques in the riding ring.

measures, health screenings and a priority to be outside, the Greenway will provide a space where parents can feel comfortable that their children are being kept as safe as possible.

GROUP RIDING LESSONS

Group Lessons teach riders about horse care and horsemanship, including how to groom, bridle, saddle and basic riding techniques in a four-week lesson program. They are offered as a four-week package throughout the Spring & Fall.

ADOPT-A-HORSE

The Anne Springs Close Greenway Adoptequine lovers a chance to adopt a horse for three hours one day each week during the period of September through May. Riders must meet several criteria for the adoption program and demonstrate their riding abilities prior to being allowed entrance into the program. Participants must be a Greenway member.

EQUESTRIAN SUMMER CAMPS

Greenway Equestrian Day Camps Weeklong equestrian day camps on the Greenway are offered during the month of June and offer a variety of riding disciplines for riders of various skill levels. Campers will work on riding skills, trail work and equestrian arts and crafts projects. Campers will also perform their newly

a-Horse program is designed to allow acquired skills for family and friends on Fridays. Springmaid Mountain Horse Camps Weeklong residence camps are held at Springmaid Mountain in Spruce Pine, NC, in July. Campers are immersed in a week of activities dedicated to developing better riding techniques and improving their overall understanding of horsemanship. A week of horse camp at Springmaid Mountain is a week of riding and fun.

GUIDED TRAIL RIDES

Guided trail rides are led by a member of the equestrian staff and are available on Saturdays, September to May. Riders must be at least 8 years of age and must wear closed-toe shoes. All riders also must wear helmets and the Anne Springs Close Greenway provides helmets.

For more information about the Greenway’s equine programs, visit www.ascgreenway. org/play/horseback-riding