BY RECORD STAFF

HOPE Therapeutic Riding Center is taking registrations for the 2012 fall quarter, for therapeutic riding lessons.

The registration deadline is July 9 for current students, and July 16 for  new and returning students.

The program offers specially trained and certified instructors who know how to address the needs of people of all ages who are facing a broad range of special challenges from physical, cognitive to emotional. For the past 25 years, HOPE has helped students achieve greater mobility, self-confidence and social skills, among other benefits.

Rather than teach all lessons alike, each lesson is designed specifically to meet the special needs and goals of the individual student, whether they be better balance, hand/eye coordination, social interactions, muscle strengthening, building self-confidence and many others.

“Whatever the goal, all of our students have fun learning how to ride,” said Melissa Jacobe, program director and head instructor.

HOPE’s fall quarter will be held at both the North End location in Coupeville and the South End location in Langley. The quarter will run for nine weeks starting Aug. 19 in Coupeville and Aug. 28 in Langley.

Fee for fall quarter is $240. There is an additional $30 charge for new students to cover the new student assessment, assessments will be held in Coupeville July 23 to 25. A few scholarships are available to pay for part of the fees for those students who meet financial criteria. Fees and registration papers must be received by the deadline. Required paperwork is available by calling or emailing HOPE.

For further information, contact HOPE at www.hope-whidbey.org, 253-279-7924 or 360-221-7653.