GREAT Program
Since 1997, The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s GREAT Program has been offering equine assisted services to children and adults with disabilities. The activities that GREAT provides positively impact the physical, cognitive and social well-being of each rider. We partner with our local school systems and other disability service providers, as well as offer private lessons and inclusive summer camps. GREAT receives its primary funding from individual contributions, civic organizations, annual fundraisers, foundations, and corporations. The specialized arena and stables are located in a state-of-the-art facility on beautiful Greenwood-Springridge Road in Greenwood, Louisiana.
GREAT is a proud member center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Instructors certified through PATH Intl. are trained to teach and guide students in a way that contributes to their overall well-being.
GREAT is committed to the same level of excellence; our instructors are trained to teach students with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Why is GREAT so great?
The Arc Caddo-Bossier's GREAT program combines exercise, recreation, and education into one experience. The programs are designed to have physical, cognitive, and social benefits. Participants can improve strength, endurance, and coordination. They gain independence and pride in new abilities, have challenging experiences, meet new friends, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Volunteer
Steps to become a GREAT volunteer:
Fill out the online Volunteer pre-application form (click here)
The GREAT team will contact you to set up your hands-on volunteer training and email you our volunteer registration form.
Attend hands-on training.
Complete your background check. (GREAT pays all expenses)
Sign up to volunteer for our classes.
Volunteers are the backbone of our program, as they are needed to assist with lessons and help care for the horses. GREAT volunteers log over 5,000 hours each year.
GREAT Horses
Interaction between horses and students helps to develop mutual trust, respect, affection, unconditional acceptance, and self-control. The GREAT horses are donated, leased, or rescued, and each horse goes through an extensive training period prior to beginning lessons.
Therapeutic Riding Lessons
At GREAT, we offer therapeutic riding lessons for individuals with disabilities with the goal of teaching riding skills and using the natural therapeutic benefits of the horse to achieve the rider’s life goals and contribute positively to their physical, cognitive and social well-being. The lessons and benefits gained at GREAT extend into everyday activities at home, school and work. Lessons are taught by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) through PATH Intl.
Camp Victory
June 2-6, 2025 and June 9-13, 2025
We offer 2 week-long sessions held in June that include both children with disabilities and their typically developing peers ages 4 - 10. Camp experiences include horseback riding, arts and crafts, nature studies, team building, and a horseshow and picnic to end the week.
For more information about Camp Victory or for information on any of our events:
Contact Caroline Hendrix at 318.938.9166
or chendrix@thearccaddobossier.org.
Contact Liz Thigpen at 318.938.9166
or lthigpen@thearccaddobossier.org
FAQs
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All riders must submit a complete application, which includes a physician’s statement signed by a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. Additionally, riders should weigh no more than 200 lbs. and must be able to sit on a horse with minimal assistance.
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For our private group lessons, GREAT offers a 12-week spring and fall session. Our session fee is $420 and can be paid in full or 2 installments of $210 at the 1st and 6th week. During the spring and fall sessions our classes are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00. We also offer a 4-week summer session which is $140. These classes are held in the morning on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00.
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Unfortunately, we are unable to offer horse rentals for trail rides or one-time rides due to insurance and administrative requirements.
The Arc Caddo-Bossier's GREAT Program
Hours:
Address:
7141 Greenwood-Springridge Rd,
Greenwood, LA 71033