Saddle Pals

Volunteer with Saddle Pals

Saddle Up! Are you interested in helping others live a life without limits? Enjoy being outdoors? Love horses? This is the job for you! No previous horse experience is required!

UCP is hosting mandatory volunteer training for Saddle Pals.
(Saddle Pals volunteers must be age 16 and up.)

All Saddle Pals Volunteer Training Dates are currently full. If you are interested in being added to the waitlist, please email Cameron at cmoore@ucpsacto.org

UCP's Equine Therapy Program Makes A Return

UCP Saddle Pals will provide weekly adapted horsemanship lessons to people with disabilities, age 4 and up. The program promotes growth, independence, and improved quality of life for program participants. As a result of learning to ride a horse, riders can improve coordination, balance, and posture. Likewise, it helps students develop better self-awareness and self-esteem.

Ways to Get Involved

Saddle Up! Sign Up to Participate!

Saddle Pals is open to UCP and non-UCP participants. For questions about the program or to get on the waitlist, email rec@ucpsacto.org

Saddle Pals Rates:

Individual lesson (30 minutes): $90.00
Individual lesson (45 minutes): $120.00

Group non-riding activity**: $50.00
Assessment: $250.00

Monthly Rates:
Individual lesson (30 minutes/1 per week): $360.00
Individual lesson (45 minutes/1 per week): $480.00
Group non-riding activity**: $200.00

**Non-riding activities could include grooming, feeding and animal care, education and learning, tack and equipment support, socialization activities, familiarity and confidence building activities, ground-based balance, and mobility work, etc.

Become a Sponsor & Support Our Riders!

Naming Opportunities – $10,000 – $25,000
– Covered Arena
– Saddle Pals Rest Area
– Shed

Scholarships – $5,000 for 10 Students

Sensory Trail – $2,500 (limit 5)

General Donations

Download the full list of sponsorship opportunities.

For more information call Megan Laurie, Director of Development at 916-283-8312 or email mlaurie@ucpsacto.org.

Volunteer at UCP's Saddle Pals Program

Saddle Pals relies on volunteers! If you are interested in helping other live life without limits, enjoy being outdoors, and horses. This is the job for you.

Join us for a volunteer orientation to learn more. Our team will be in touch soon to schedule a virtual information session.

Learn more and register today.

Meet the Saddle Pals Horses!

Carmel Sky, a.k.a Sky

A 21-year-old Palomino Tennessee Walker. She is full of character and is looking forward to helping child and adults.

Cody

A 30-year-old Paint Quarter Gelding. He comes to UCP with experience as a lesson horse along with being an experienced therapy advisor.

Nationally Accredited Program

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

Develop a bond with UCP’s therapy horses
Learn responsibilities associated with riding a horse and animal care
Expand their knowledge and skills in a fun, supportive environment

Learn more about PATH

After just one year of riding, Carlianne could walk without falling and climb onto her horse.

Read Carlianne’s story

Questions?

To learn more about Saddle Pals, contact our Recreation Team

rec@ucpsacto.org

Support Saddle Pals!

Donate today!

DONATE TODAY!