James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program
Executive Director Sarah Meakin and her student, Luka
Horses in California, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing equestrian-related arts, events, and physical wellness to the San Francisco Bay Area. Horses in California, Inc. operates the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program and hosts the annual Polo in the Park charity event.
In the early 1980’s, San Francisco residents Hugh and Melba Meakin had a dream of starting an organization that would expose people in their community to the glorious psychological and physical benefits of horseback riding, horse-related arts and equestrian sports. Indeed, they created the non-profit organization Horses in California, Inc. in 1984 and started off the year by hosting a world-class show jumping and grand prix event called “The San Francisco Show Jumping Grand Prix and Equestrian Festival”. This was a three-day event held at the Marin Headlands. In 1985, Horses in California, Inc. moved its venue to the San Francisco Golden Gate Park Polo Fields and showcased polo matches as well as other horse-inspired festivities.
In 1981, the physical and psychophysical benefits of horseback riding gained national attention when James S. Brady, Press Secretary to President Ronald Reagan, was shot in the head during a failed assassination attempt on the President and used horseback riding as a means of physical therapy during his recovery. Hugh and Melba Meakin met with Brady at this time and were given the honor of using his name for a riding program that the Meakins were opening to provide therapy alternatives to disabled children. Thus, the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program for special children was founded, and has since helped over 200 youths find wellness and happiness through horsemanship and horseback riding lessons.
Today, Horses in California, Inc. is continuing to help disadvantaged and disabled children as well as bring awareness of horses, horse-related arts and equestrian sports to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Read more about Horses in California, Inc.
The James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program for children with autism and other special needs is the main beneficiary of Polo in the Park, and provides children in the San Francisco Bay Area with horsemanship and horseback riding lessons as a physical or social therapy alternative.
The “Brady Program” has helped over 200 mentally or physically challenged children under the direction of personnel who have been certified and insured by the Equine Associated Growth and Learning Association. Our students suffer from autism, cerebral palsy, muscle weakness, sight and hearing impairment, learning disabilities or social disorders. Each student participates in a specially designed program that is individually suited to his or her needs. Children learn anatomy, grooming and riding as they begin to develop friendships with the horses and other riders. The emotional and spiritual benefits of horseback riding for the disabled are profound and become self-evident when you witness a child experiencing the joy of horses for the very first time. The children gain a love and respect for animals, better self-confidence, improved social skills, increased joint mobility and enhanced neural development. We use specially trained Norwegian Fiord therapy horses at weekly lessons in Bercut Equitation Field, Golden Gate Park San Francisco.
The "Brady Program" has received a Certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly and Award of Honor from the City and County of San Francisco.
Read more about the "Brady Program"
View the "Brady Program" Photo Gallery
View a video of the "Brady Program"
Polo in the Park is the primary fundraiser to cover operating costs of the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program, and has been held annually since 1984 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park Polo Fields. After 25 years of hosting this event, we are happy to announce that we are still playing polo in Golden Gate Park! However, this year we have moved our event to Bercut Equitation Field because the turf on the Polo Field has proven unsafe for horses and riders.
Horses in California, Inc. hosts several other events throughout the year as secondary fundraisers to suppoprt the James S. Brady Therapeutic Riding Program. This year, the James S. Brady Gala will be held on Friday, October 15th, 2010 at the Horses in California, Inc. headquarters. This is a black-tie event with live music by Eoin Harrington, buffet dinner and dancing under the stars. Additionally, a fashion trunk show will be held Thursday, August 19th, 2010 featuring jewelry designs by David Harris and clothing by Robert Ermilio.
For more event information, please click here.