The Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) announced recently that Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center has been awarded a $2,700 Quality of Life grant. Conceived by the late Dana Reeve, Quality of Life grants are given to programs or projects that improve the daily lives of people living with paralysis, particularly spinal cord injuries. Funding is awarded twice yearly to programs in 13 categories, including: accessibility, advocacy, arts, assistive technology, children, counseling, education, employment, health promotion, independent living, practical services, sports and recreation and therapeutic riding.

Since 1999, CRF has provided 1,073 such grants for a total of $8,503,576, to organizations around the globe. “The continuing growth of the Quality of Life grants program is a testament to the strong legacy left by Dana Reeve,” said Kathy Lewis, president and CEO of the CRF. “Her spirit continues to inspire us as we work to make a real difference in the daily lives of those living with paralysis.”

This is the first time Little Bit has received one of these grants and according to Pam Coté, Community Relations Director for the organization, it is a “big deal.” She explains: “This is a prestigious international grant and we are very elated. For us to earn this type of grant is really significant. We’re competing against much bigger organizations with more resources and by being awarded this money, it is a true validation for us. It tells everyone that we have arrived and that we are recognized as an industry leader in therapeutic horseback riding.”

Little Bit will use the money to support its scholarship fund for riders. The goal of this fund is to provide 68 single quarter therapeutic riding scholarships and 28 single quarter Hippotherapy scholarships in 2006, benefiting up to 96 riders.

Hippotherapy is a medical model whereby a physical or occupational therapist works one-to-one with a child or an adult using the movement of a horse as a therapy or treatment tool.

“This scholarship fund allows us to satisfy our core value of ensuring access by removing financial barriers for those with disabilities,” says Coté. “So far in 2006, we have awarded 65 scholarships worth $21,253. As the year is not over yet, we anticipate giving out more in the months to come. We depend on money from corporations, foundations and in-kind donations to help us serve our clients. Basically, our riders only pay a quarter of what the actual fee is for a session. We raise the money to cover the remaining costs. Grants like these make it possible for our clients to ride and to receive Hippotherapy.”