Past to the Present

Saddle Pals Therapeutic Center was founded in July 1992 by a group of  individuals who saw a great need for additional therapeutic riding services in our community.  Saddle Pals was created  specifically to provide a therapeutic horsemanship program that offers  recreational and educational opportunities to any child or adult with any physical, emotional, or mental  challenge.

In February of 1993, a ten-week pilot program was  initiated with seven riders, four borrowed horses and twelve volunteers at the  Los Lagos Equestrian Center in Granite Bay.  The  pilot program was a huge  success and within a year, Saddle Pals grew to serve  fourteen riders, using  four leased horses and over twenty volunteers in addition  to volunteer staff.  

Saddle Pals applied for and received accreditation through the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) in 1994.  Our national accreditation has been maintained since then.  Every five years,  we must reapply and pass the accreditation process and the Saddle Pals Therapeutic Center is proud to say that we have received the highest rating  possible for  re-accreditation. 

Since Saddle Pals does not limit its services to a specific  group of people, many people became interested in the program and a waiting list developed quickly.  In 1995, Saddle Pals  leased a private stable  in Orangevale that allowed for expansion of the program.  Additionally, due to  the growing needs in the Grass Valley area, a second Saddle Pals center was  started  in the summer of 1996. 

Another step in the growth of Saddle Pals occurred in 2001 when we merged  with UCP of Greater Sacramento.  One of the benefits of being  part of a large organization, such as UCP, is to serve more people.  By  utilizing the resources UCP has to offer, Saddle Pals will be able to expand and grow.  Through UCP marketing and fundraising  efforts we have already seen  changes to the program including increased  readership, new equipment and a scholarship program.  We are excited to be a part of UCP of Greater  Sacramento.