People and Animal Learning Services, Inc. (PALS) is dedicated to providing high-quality, safe, educational, fun and therapeutic animal assisted activities such as therapeutic horseback riding, hippotherapy, animal care and pet encounter therapy to children and adults with physical, learning, cognitive or emotional disabilities.

PALS is a nonprofit Equine Assisted Program providing therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities and at-risk youth.  PALS is located in Bloomington, IN and was founded in 2000 by Fern Bonchek, PALS Executive Director.

PALS is the only therapeutic riding center in Monroe County and surrounding counties that is accredited as a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Center. PALS is also a member of the Indiana Horse Council and a United Way Member Agency. PALS follows the safety standards developed by PATH Intl. and uses PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors who are trained in therapeutic riding techniques, CPR, first aid, and safety. PALS uses carefully selected and specially trained horses and other animals, to provide the safest and highest quality learning for a therapeutic environment.

PALS treats its riders as individuals, focusing on ability rather than disability.  PALS serves individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. All PALS riders are carefully evaluated by a medical professional and/or a PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor to ensure that the most appropriate education and therapy plan is developed to meet specific physical, cognitive and therapeutic needs. Depending on each student’s needs and abilities, rider’s lessons last 30-45 minutes.

Since the 1950s, EQUINE ASSISTED ACTIVITIES (EAA) have been identified as beneficial forms of exercise and recreation for people with a wide range of disabilities. EAA combines goals in sports, recreation, therapy and education.

Professionals in the medical field have found that EAA are beneficial because of the horse’s gentle and rhythmic motion as well as the warmth of the horse’s body. EAA helps relax spastic muscles, decrease or increase muscle tone, increase strength, stimulate joint and muscle function, elevate cardiovascular and pulmonary output, increase self-esteem and confidence, enhance memory and communication skills, and build positive relationships with others. In addition, the rider and horse form a special bond that enhances physical and cognitive abilities and overall well-being.

THERAPEUTIC RIDING involves mounted activities including traditional riding disciplines or adaptive riding activities conducted by a PATH Intl. certified instructor for individuals ages four and above. Riding lessons are developed to meet each rider's mental, physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs in conjunction with physicians, parents/guardians/caregivers and therapists. Equine Assisted Activities are also beneficial for at-risk youth because the emotional bond created between horse and rider is invaluable. Participants may, for the first time in their lives, experience safe and nonjudgmental love and friendship. The hope is that this experience will be translated into positive human relationships in their everyday lives.

PALS serves individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities including:

• ADHD
• Amputations
• Autistic Spectrum Disorders
• Brain Injuries
• Cerebral Palsy
• Downs Syndrome
• Emotional Disabilities
• Mental Retardation
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Post Polio
• Spina Bifida
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Stroke
• Visual Impairments
• Speech Impairments
• Learning Impairments

In addition, PALS works with at-risk youth.