A heating system has been installed in the Samuel Austrian Memorial Riding Arena at Saddle Rock Ranch enabling children and adults with disabilities to continue their therapeutic riding lessons throughout the winter. Heating an indoor riding arena is rarely done; however, a donation by the Goldin family made it possible at Saddle Rock Ranch, which is located in Middle Island.

The indoor riding arena is used for an equine therapy program offered by Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. a not-for-profit agency in Old Bethpage that supports people with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness or traumatic brain injury. Therapeutic riding can provide remarkable physical, emotional and mental benefits for individuals with disabilities of all types.

"Our therapeutic riding program has been well-received by the community and many individuals with disabilities depend on their riding sessions at Saddle Rock Ranch for their physical and emotional well-being," said Barbara Townsend, chief executive officer, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. "Thanks to the generosity of Marge and Steve Goldin, our therapeutic riding students can take advantage of this outstanding program year-round."

The riding arena is named in memory of Marge and Steve Goldin's grandfather, Samuel Austrian, who served in the United States Cavalry during World War I. The 7,000 square foot indoor riding arena is heated to a very comfortable level for both students and horses.

"When we heard about the need for heat in the indoor arena so the therapeutic riding programs could continue through the winter, we had to step forward to make that happen," said Marge Goldin.

Therapeutic riding uses the horse for the purpose of contributing to the physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being of people with disabilities. Riders use leaders, side walkers and adaptive equipment while learning to ride. Many individuals who are unable to respond to traditional therapies will react positively when an animal is involved.

Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, students with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. For individuals with special mental or emotional needs, relationships formed with horses can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. Individuals with the following disabilities commonly participate and benefit from equine therapy: muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, down syndrome, mental retardation, autism, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, emotional disabilities, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, deafness and cardiovascular/stroke.

The National Foundation for Human Potential through Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), in Old Bethpage, benefits more than 3,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness or traumatic brain injury and their families each year on Long Island. The National Foundation for Human Potential provides financial and other support to Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc., and other organizations that promote educational, residential, and support services for people in need. The mission is to ensure the realization of human potential for all people, regardless of ability.

For more information about Saddle Rock Ranch please call (631) 205-0432.