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How BTRC Began
Our program has been in existence since 1979. It was founded by a former principal of the Marvin E. Beekman Center, John Breaugh, who saw a need for specialized horseback riding therapy for Beekman Center students as well as others with disabilities, in the community.
When the program first began, 4-H members would transport their horses to the Beekman campus and volunteer their time to give lessons to a small group of people with disabilities. Lessons took place only one day a week and only during the warmer months, since all classes were held in an outdoor arena. As time went on, the program grew in popularity and size. Eventually, horses and tack were donated directly to the Lansing School District, which eventually gained ownership of the program.
In 1982 the red hip roofed barn was erected to house the animals and fences were put in place to stable them. Employees were hired to run the operation as the demand for the riding services continued to grow. In 1989, Mr. Breaugh collected funding to erect a 60×120 indoor riding arena, which was soon equipped with a heating system, making it possible to offer riding services year round.
Today, we all thank Mr. Breaugh, the generous donors, and the many volunteers, for their dedication and hard work who created this beneficial program. We are proud to carry out the misson of providing the same services today, for the many of the community, who will continue to benefit
We Need Your Support!
In February of 2005 alarming news hit the media, announcing the proposed closing of the Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center. Budget cuts within the Lansing School District (LSD) was forcing them to eliminate this non-mandated program, which caused serious concern for the individuals who benefited from BTRC. Aggressive action was taken by a group of staff, parents, and volunteers forming a BTRC Support Group and a Board of Advisors. Together, they wrote a proposal to the LSD requesting the opportunity to independently carry on this milestone community program, which thankfully was accepted.
Today our program remains a nonprofit organization with 501(c) 3 status through the Lansing Educational Advancement Foundation (LEAF). Though we have been allowed to remain on the campus of the Marvin E. Beekman Center, BTRC is no longer under the ownership of the LSD, and all funding has become the sole responsibility of BTRC.
Our support group members are currently seeking donations and actively promoting our "BTRC Sponsorship Programs" in an effort to raise needed funds. Please see our Classes, Clinics section on this site.
If you would like to contribute, please contact our offices at 517-755-2174 Your contribution may be a tax deduction to you! Our Operation and Who We Serve
Our program currently operates year round, five days a week (Monday through Friday), for six sessions per year. (See Classes/Clinics on this site for more information). Classes are scheduled from mid- morning into the evening hours. During Beekman Center school months (September through June), Beekman students have priority for our riding services during the school day. From mid-afternoon through evening, we open our schedule to outside students who pay for lessons. By creating a schedule to accommodate a wide range of abilities and levels of experience, we are able to place all students in classes that best suit their needs.
BTRC currently owns 14 program horses, all of which have been donated. The horses are stabled on site. An appropriate mount is selected for the student by the instructor during an initial assessment. All of our horses are very safe and friendly, making riding an enjoyable learning experience for the students.
Our riding and driving classes are taught by our experienced instructors, who are certified by NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) and facilitated by our assisting staff and volunteers. All assisting staff and volunteers are required to attend class training before they are allowed to assist in classes. Our program functions under NARHA guidelines, providing an enjoyable and safe environment for all participants.
In addition to these popular services, we are proud to announce our newest service of natural horsemanship training classes and horse training services. Contact us for more information! 517-755-2174
Serving All Abilities
We are proud to offer riding and driving lessons to people of all ages, with and without disabilities. We accept students 3 years of age and older. A Rider Registration Form, which requires a physician’s signature, must be completed for students with a disability before they can be scheduled to ride. We accept students with all disabilities, provided that the activity is authorized by the student's physician.
Once again we want to remind you that we also offer riding and driving classes for children and adults who do not have a disability. Our experienced staff can teach skills in both riding and driving to students in beginner through advanced levels and would be happy to help you get started now!
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