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In 1989, Ann and Todd Block, parents of a daughter who had significant disabilities, began the horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities. That year, they recruited volunteers to help, formed the Forget-Me-Not Foundation of Itasca County, and then began the riding program at their hobby farm north of Nashwauk, MN in 1990. They started with one horse, five riders and ten volunteers. Over the years the program grew and the benefits were much appreciated by the riders and their families.
In 1995, the Forget-Me-Not Foundation moved to its own facility and now serves in excess of 60 regularly scheduled riders in addition to many special event riders. There are now nearly 100 volunteers who give of their time throughout the year in a variety of rewarding positions.
The current facility includes both indoor and outdoor arenas. The outdoor arena has a portable wheelchair accessible mounting ramp. The large indoor arena features an attached stable and tack room, attached office and kitchen area, bleachers, a wheelchair accessible mounting ramp, and a heavy sling hoist to help mobility impaired riders when mounting and dismounting. The Foundation's grounds also include a large handicapped-accessible outdoor playground, including two wheelchair swings, caretaker's residence and various other buildings including free-access shelters for the horses.
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