Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicapped, Hailey, Idaho Sagebrush Equine Training Center

About S.E.T.C.H.

The Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicapped, SETCH, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation serving children and adults with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities by providing a unique form of therapy and recreation through use of the horse. The program is headquartered at the Sagebrush Arena located two miles north of Hailey, Idaho. The facility includes an indoor arena, three outdoor arenas, stables, offices, and a horse library. Student participation is on a no charge basis. Currently, over 300 students ride in SETCH programs. SETCH is a leading authority on the design of adapted saddles that allow challenged individuals to ride independently. This research is available in the publication, THERAPEUTIC RIDING, STRATEGIES FOR INSTRUCTION AND REHABILITATION. SETCH is an operating center under the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.

History

Kristy Pigeon built the Sagebrush Arena and developed the therapeutic riding program in the summer of 1991. Her reason for creating the facility goes back to her early childhood. Growing up in Danville, California, her only wish was to own a horse. Unable to persuade her parents to buy her one, she turned to competitive swimming at age six. At age twelve she discovered tennis through a city recreation program. After winning the summer-end tennis tournament she was given a job in exchange for lessons at the local tennis club. By age seventeen Kristy had won Junior Wimbledon and the United States Girls' Championship. Over the course of this career Kristy was ranked in the Worlds' Top Ten Women and was an originator of the famed Virginia Slims Professional Circuit. After graduating from Mills College she moved to Idaho with a goal to buy a house, a dog, and a horse! Her interest in developing the therapeutic riding program was a result of her desire to share the beauty and serenity of the Sawtooth mountains and the healing power of horses with challenged individuals.