Therapeutic riding program in New Hampshire evaluates closing permanently

From WMUR-TV.

DURHAM, N.H. -- A horse riding program that serves children with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism and Down syndrome will continue to operate while the University of New Hampshire conducts a review.

Administrators said UNH's Therapeutic Riding Program has been in existence for about 20 years and is a completely self-funded program, raising money through fees and fundraising. The dean of UNH’s College of Life Sciences and Agriculture, Thomas Brady, decided last week to close the program, an officials at the program said a specific reason was not given.

But Brady announced May 5 that the program would remain operating while a review of its benefits, costs and revenues can be completed. A recommendation will be made to Brady by July 1.

Brady said the group conducting the review will be asked to develop a financial plan that can ensure the continuity of the program in the future.

"If such a plan is not feasible, then alternatives including closure will be considered," Brady explained.

News 9 has talked to several parents of students in the program who said they were heartbroken about the potential closure, saying it would be a huge loss.