Introduction 

Following the great success of previous summer horse-riding camps for children and adolescents with disabilities, promoted by AIASPORT ONLUS and made possible by the valuable support of Fondazione Irma Romagnoli Onlus, there has been strong demand from participants and their families, as well as other children who began attending our equine-assisted rehabilitation center in September. We therefore plan to offer this important experience of growth, inclusion, and enjoyment again in 2017.

Project description 

With increasing requests to participate and a range of ages among participants, the AIASPORT ONLUS team has decided to organize, again in 2017 as last year, two separate summer camps: one in late June, for preadolescent children with disabilities (aged 10–12), and one in September, for the many adolescents with disabilities who attend our equine-assisted rehabilitation service privately or through an agreement with the Bologna Local Health Authority (aged 13–17).

The project will repeat last year’s format of a five-day day camp, with the additional option of spending a night away together. There will always be new activities to offer each participant an enriching experience and opportunities to explore new possibilities in relationships, expression, and communication.

As in previous editions, through play, fun with peers, and animal-care activities—and with the natural setting and horses helping to build relationships—we will offer a process of growth and change aimed at developing new skills that encourages each participant to develop a new, more mature sense of self, as well as increasing independence from their families, while creating their own spaces and opportunities for enjoyment and growth.

Project structure 

The two summer camps will run Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will again offer the opportunity to take part in a full-day outing, including a horse-riding excursion, and an overnight stay away from home together.

During the week, activities will again be divided into two periods with distinct, specific educational goals and strategies:

Mornings will feature various activities involving care, relationship-building, and interaction with horses (grooming, preparation, mounted games and exercises, rides through the extensive GESE grounds, and care afterward). 

In the afternoons there will be a variety of educational games, workshops, and activities, also tailored to the wishes and interests expressed by participants.

All activities will take place in a playful, enjoyable atmosphere, which is essential to engage the children and sustain their motivation and enthusiasm for participating.

Expected outcomes and benefits: 

Given the highly positive experience of previous editions, also reported by parents and local clinical professionals (participants were enthusiastic and engaged in the activities, worked together and helped one another to form a close-knit group, and consistently behaved appropriately, respecting the rules, staff, and peers), the team expects that the next summer camp will consolidate and further enhance these benefits, in an atmosphere that accepts and values each participant’s differences.

Monitoring activities and evaluating outcomes 

To evaluate the project’s effectiveness, as in previous years, there will be reviews carried out by AIASPORT’s psychologist and educational specialist with the families of participants with disabilities and local professionals. Using specific assessment forms completed by staff supporting each rider, these reviews assess the initial goals, methods used, outcomes achieved, and any difficulties encountered. Where the experience has been positive, new goals are established to continue the activities the following year.

During the week, as last year, photographs and videos will be taken of participants during the various activities.

Project cost 

The estimated cost of the equestrian project for 26 children and adolescents with disabilities from the Bologna area is €11,870.00 (eleven thousand eight hundred and seventy/00). 

(Services are exempt from VAT under Article 10, paragraph 27-ter, of Presidential Decree 633/72.)

AIASPORT ONLUS hopes to cover 75% of the total project cost (€8,902.50), through crowdfunding initiatives and contributions requested from participating families.

A contribution covering the remaining 25% of the costs is requested from Fondazione Irma Romagnoli Onlus for this ambitious initiative, amounting to €2,967.50.

Contact for further information: 

Dr. Maria Laura Tabacchi (AIASPORT ONLUS Coordinator)

Tel. 335.6583608 – Fax 051/929351 – Email: info@aiasport.it or aiasport2@gmail.com