This week's Program: North Country Ride

Their mission statement does not include the word handicapped, since personal growth is a goal for everyone. The organization started in 1985, and by 1989 they acquired land in Esko. They built their first building in 1993, and have continued adding to their 30 acre site over the years. They recently built an educational building, the first building with indoor plumbing. Their organization was literally built by the community with volunteers. They serve clients in Lake , 

St. Louis, Carlton, Pine and Douglas County in Wisconsin. Joan is the only year round employee and works half time in the winter. They serve school groups, group homes, and individual clients referred by doctors. Their clients currently start at age 4 and go up to age 74. Clients get 4 six week sessions with 3 volunteers accompanying the horse and rider. They empower people by doing individual lesson plans, one stride at a time. They have 3 horses of their own and during the April to October riding season they are loaned more horses by families. Their volunteers range in age from 14 to 70, and they are always seeking more help.