To provide year-round sports training\u00a0and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness,\u00a0demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with\u00a0their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n Robinson Ranch is associated with Special Olympics of Arizona (SOAZ). Robinson Ranch special Olympics has\u00a0four coaches who are certified through the SOAZ State Office.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>We\u00a0use SOAZ\u2019s requirements \/ policies to foster a safe, fun atmosphere for the Equestrian Athlete. Robinson Ranch began participating in Special Olympics in late 2010.\u00a0\u00a0We currently have a team of four interested riders;\u00a0\u00a0one head coach \u2013 John Robinson, three certified coaches \u2013 Sheilah Smiley, Kristi Kay & Tricia Henning,\u00a0\u00a0three therapy trained horses and a handful of volunteers.<\/p>\n Our goal for the Robinson Ranch team is to become the largest SOAZ Equestrian team in the State and to encourage each rider to become as independent as they are able and have fun while doing so!<\/p>\n With supervision, each rider grooms and tacks his or her own horse. Some riders require assistance when mounted, some do not. Some riders are walk only, some are walk trot, and others are learning to lope. Our riders are coached and will compete in showmanship at halter, equitation, and trail as well as the speed events barrel racing and pole bending.<\/p>\n New members are added to the team when class space and\/or horses are available. Volunteer staffing is also necessary to provide a safe environment. To be eligible for the Robinson Ranch Special Olympics team, a rider must:<\/p>\n We are excited about participating in Special Olympics of Arizona Equestrian events and hope to acquire more athletes, sponsors and volunteers for this GREAT cause!!<\/p>\n To \u00a0see our photos from the May 2014 Special Olympics at Robinson Ranch, CLICK HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Special](\"https:\/\/robinsonranch.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/img_2537.jpg\")
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