UCP Saddle Pals
Therapeutic Horseback Riding

The simple act of riding a horse can have intense positive results for a person with disabilities. Adapted riding and other equine-assisted activities (EAA) benefit those with cognitive, physical, and psychological disabilities. These may include, but are not limited to: cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, visual or hearing impairment, traumatic brain injury, spina bifida, or learning disabilities. Learning to ride a horse has been shown to improve coordination, balance and posture, and it helps the student to develop better self-awareness and self-esteem.

How UCP Saddle Pals works
Nationally accredited by PATH International, UCP Saddle Pals promotes growth, independence and improved quality of life for riders, helping them:

Offering weekly adapted horsemanship lessons to people age 4 and up. Expert staff members create individualized lesson plans that help riders meet their short-term and long-range goals and overcome fears and challenges. Many of the skills learned in the riding arena even transfer to other areas of the riders’ lives.

We operate our program at two different facilities to better serve the needs of the community. Our program in Orangevale is currently on hiatus. In addition, our Grass Valley facility is open one day a week.

Riding Application

Directions to Orangevale location

Directions to Grass Valley location

UCP Saddle Pals is proud to be recognized by PATH International as a Premier Accredited Center. PATH International establishes industry standards for horsemanship program safety, administrative guidelines, facility requirements, and instructor training and certification. Of the nearly 700 PATH International member centers throughout the world, only approximately 200 have the distinction of Premier Accredited Center status. We are proud to be one of those centers! Visit PATH International for more information on equine-assisted activities (EAA).

Mission Statement
The mission of Saddle Pals Therapeutic Center, a division of UCP of Sacramento and Northern California, is to provide equine-assisted activities in a safe, goal-oriented, professional environment for individuals with developmental or acquired disabilities resulting in growth, independence and improved quality of life. 
Jane de'Zell
Program Manager - Grass Valley
Jane de'Zell began her career in mental health, finding her work with children diagnosed with autism the most rewarding. Yet she soon began a new career in fire fighting, and upon retirement, decided to return to her first love - horses. She returned to school and received an associate's degree in equine sciences. She began looking for an opportunity to combiner her love of horses and her interest in working with people with special needs, and in 2001, found UCP Saddle Pals. She began volunteering as a sidewalker, even bringing her Tennessee Walking horse, Red, to the program. In 2005, she became a NARHA certified instructor, and in 2009 she accepted the position as director. Through UCP Saddle Pals, she has been able to combine her love for horses and her interest in helping people with special needs. 		 

Contact Information

Orangevale location:
Barn Address - 7616 Telegraph Avenue, Orangevale, CA 95662
Mailing Address - 4350 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento, Ca 95841

 Phone: 916-565-7700
 

Grass Valley location:
Barn Address - 17761 Grizzly Bear Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95949
Mailing Address - P.O. Box 1464, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Jane de'Zell, Program Director - 530-268-8785