HORSING AROUND IS GOOD THERAPY
The 413 is home to lots of great horse farms that offer a wide range of riding opportunities for skilled equestrians and the general public. In addition, there are several nonprofit programs that provide equestrian therapy to individuals with disabilities and others in need. Here’s a look at a few of these nonprofits and the services the provide.
Photo credit: tecrider.org
Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Holyoke
The Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) is a non-profit organization founded for the purpose of promoting and enhancing, through the use of horseback riding, the abilities of each participant to reach their highest potential and to promote to the general public an understanding of the needs and abilities of children and adults with disabilities.
The Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) has a great staff of instructors and volunteers. Together they bring a great set of skills in working with people with a wide range of disabilities.
TEC is always on the lookout for community support, particularly in the form of donated services from local skilled tradesman such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, and gardening. You can also donate items such as barn supplies, office supplies, snacks, and more.
Photo credit: fullofgracefarm.com
Full of Grace Farm, Hadley
Full of Grace Farm was founded with the vision of creating a safe and nurturing environment for horses and humans of all ages to self-empower, learn, and heal. It is an Equine Assisted Learning Facility offering life coaching, riding lessons, boarding, corporate team building and more.
Their slogan, “Find Your Stride,” encourages individuals to find and celebrate their own unique strengths. Their goal is to educate, empower and support the community through effective experiential interactions with horses.
Due to the extraordinary economic effects from the pandemic, Full of Grace Farm is asking for help from the community. If you have the ability, please consider donating to their Hay and Medical Fund, or purchasing a tote from May’s Treasure Box.
Photo credit: whisperinghorse.net
Whispering Horse Therapeutic Riding Center, Longmeadow
Whispering Horse Therapeutic Riding Center is a community-oriented, nonprofit organization where trained professionals accompanied by volunteers, assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their independence through a variety of therapeutic goals, such as, cognitive, emotional, educational, socially and behavioral.
Whispering Horse strives to provide children and adults living with physical and mental limitations, a safe, enjoyable, and growth experience. Methods that utilize the strength of the horse's body with a variety of integrated therapeutic methods have proven to be one of the most progressive forms of therapy for individuals with disabilities. These elements combined with the love, compassion and friendships shared between the horse and rider, fosters the perfect healing environment where nothing less than miracles can happen.
Photo credit: bluerider.org
Blue Rider Stables, South Egremont
Blue Rider Stables, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to offer a holistic educational environment, in which people and animals can safely interact, and through their mutual therapeutic experiences, broaden the scope of their lives. They offer year-round lessons and workshops for children and adults, with and without disabilities.
Blue Rider’s instructors place a strong emphasis on the relationship and interaction between the student and the horse. Through ups and downs the student learns tolerance, self-motivation, decision making skills, control, confidence, conflict-resolution, working with emotions, and many other life lessons.
Donations are an integral part of Blue Rider’s income. Community support helps keep their scholarship fund available for those with financial need, who otherwise would not be able to participate in the life-enhancing activities they have to offer. Donations also support the high-quality care they provide to their herd of horses.
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