Introduction 

Following the success of previous editions of the summer horse-riding camps for children and adolescents with disabilities, organized by AIASPORT ONLUS since 2013 (and made possible thanks to the valuable support of Fondazione Irma Romagnoli Onlus), and in response to strong demand from participants and their families, as well as other children who have begun attending our equine-assisted rehabilitation center, our educational and rehabilitation team intends to offer this important and eagerly awaited event again in 2019, organizing two separate summer camps: one in late June, for preadolescent children with disabilities (aged 7–13), and one in September, for the large group of adolescents with disabilities who attend our equine-assisted rehabilitation service privately or through an agreement with the Bologna Local Health Authority (aged 14–17).

Project description 

The project will repeat last year’s format of a five-day day camp, again with the option of spending a night away together, either in tents in the riding center grounds or elsewhere. New activities will be offered to give each participant an enriching experience and opportunities to explore new possibilities in relationships, expression, and communication.

The main objective the team aims to achieve through these summer camps for young people with disabilities is to create a calm, supportive environment that fosters balanced, cooperative relationships and group dynamics; 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 both in handling horses on the ground and in the saddle, and in other aspects of personal and group life: preparing snacks for themselves and others, setting the lunch table, completing simple orienteering routes in the riding center grounds in small groups without staff assistance but under constant supervision, and similar activities.

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.

The daily schedule will follow the same format as previous editions: mornings will focus on work with the horsesto improve independence and cooperation, learn to cope with frustration, build self-esteem, and continue learning rules, sharing them, and discussing them as a group. Afternoons will instead be set aside for various experiential workshops and increasingly unstructured time focused on simply being together, playing as a group or allowing participants to choose companions and activities independently, while always respecting the rules of living together and showing consideration for others.

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 experiences of the young participants in previous editions, also confirmed by parents and local clinical professionals, we believe this new edition can consolidate and strengthen their relationships, giving them a secure foundation from which to develop independence beyond the family and, especially, school settings, helping them to build their self-esteem without conforming, excluding themselves from their peer group, or suffering because of their perceived limitations, but instead feeling valued and recognized in an atmosphere that accepts and celebrates differences, emerging abilities, and the uniqueness of each person.

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 the staff supporting each rider, these reviews will assess the initial goals, methods used, outcomes achieved, and any difficulties encountered. Where the experience has been positive, new goals will be established to continue the activities the following year.

During the week, as in previous years, photographs and videos will be taken of participants during the various activities.

Project cost 

The estimated cost of the equestrian project for 25 children and adolescents with disabilities from the Bologna area is €11,530.00 (eleven thousand five hundred and thirty/00). 

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

AIASPORT ONLUS hopes to cover 74% of the total project cost (€ 8,532.20), through crowdfunding initiatives and financial contributions requested from participating families.

A contribution covering the remaining 26% of the costs is requested from Fondazione Irma Romagnoli Onlus for this ambitious initiative, amounting to € 2,997.80 .

A detailed breakdown of costs follows:

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