The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, also known as NARHA, originally formed in 1969, is now the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).
The association tagline is “Ensuring excellence and changing lives through equine-assisted activities and therapies,” and is designed to reconstruct the now outdated NARHA model. Because equine therapy is such an evolving modality, there are now a myriad of ways in which horses can be helpful in the therapeutic realm. Yet NAHRA focuses mainly on programs that are designed for handicapped riders.
However, NARHA is the oldest organization for any form of equine therapy, and therefore creates guidelines for all other equine therapy activities, including those produced solely for mental health benefit. Recognizing the obvious constriction of this setup, the NARHA Board of Directors voted for the name change for several reasons.
Primarily, PATH is a much broader based organization, allowing for regulation of many types of equine therapy, including equine assisted psychotherapy, and learning.
Secondly, the term “handicapped” is no longer considered correct, and those who are restricted to a wheelchair prefer to be referred to as “wheelchair bound.”
Lausanne (SUI), 6 July 2011 – Canadian actor, musician, recording artist, author and horse-lover William Shatner is supporting the HSBC Rising Star category of the FEI Awards, the scheme organised annually by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the governing body of horse sport, to celebrate equestrian heroes.
Shatner’s role as Captain James T. Kirk in the science fiction TV series Star Trek, which was first broadcast in 1966, made him a cultural icon and earned him worldwide fame. His more recent role as Denny Crane in The Practice and Boston Legal earned him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award.
The actor breeds and shows American Saddlebreds and Quarter Horses and spearheads the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, which brings together world-class Reining horses and riders to raise money for a therapeutic riding organisation that works with severely disabled children.
Speaking of the HSBC Rising Star category of the FEI Awards, which is open to equestrian athletes aged 14 to 21 who demonstrate outstanding sporting talent and commitment, Shatner commented:
VTRC's Skippy. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Client
Loxahatchee, FL – May 4, 2011 – The Spring Horse Driving Trial at Port Mayaca Polo Club, Saturday and Sunday May 14th and 15th, will include a charity luncheon to benefit the new driving program at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. The Luncheon will be held Saturday the May 14th during the Dressage and Cones portion of the competition in Okeechobee, FL. The competition will begin at 9 am and the luncheon will be served from 12 until 2pm. The competition is similar to 3 day eventing, including dressage, cones which is similar to the stadium jumping portion, and a cross country portion, including obstacles that will be driven on Sunday starting at 9am.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the start up of VTRC’s new handicap driving program. The addition of a driving program will allow the center to meet the needs of people who may not be able to ride but will enjoy the camaraderie of the barn and the excitement of competition. VTRC Director of Development Susan Guinan has been committed to starting a driving program at VTRC for sometime. She began driving in the 1980s, and has competed at Gladstone and Devon and many other shows along the east coast. She continued her driving while living in England and was involved with the RDA driving program. She is pleased to be able to bring this opportunity to VTRC.
SBS Farms' Jersey with Jennifer Alfano. Photo Credit: Phelps Media Group
Buffalo, New York – April 18, 2010 – Founded in 1922, the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) stands as one of the largest, most influential and dynamic equestrian centers in the United States. Over the course of the year, BTRC hosts the renowned “AA” Buffalo International Horse Show to benefit the invaluable program that has found a home at the exquisite English Tudor and gothic style facility.
On May 2, 2011, the BTRC will again open its doors for an exciting season of four-week sessions for kids all of disability and skill levels in the Buffalo and surrounding areas to showcase the unique bond between horses and people, which can be particularly meaningful to children with disabilities. Riding programs like BTRC’s provide a relaxing, non-academic environment in which children can interact with adults and peers as well as their horses. Research has shown that therapeutic riding programs offer physical, psychological, social and educational benefits to special students. The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center has been the site of a therapeutic riding program for ten years. The BTRC currently offers programs for mentally and emotionally impaired, learning disabled and developmentally challenged children ages 6 to 16.
This coming September, BTRC looks forward to hosting its 65th Annual Buffalo International Horse Show (BIHS), on September 14-18, 2011. Rated “AA” by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), BIHS is also recognized by the Syracuse Professional Horseman’s Association PHA, Ohio PHA, WPPHA, and is sanctioned as a Canadian rated show as well. Competitors at this year’s BIHS will have a competitive advantage going into the indoor show season as BTRC’s spacious indoor arena provides the perfect opportunity for horses and riders to prepare for the year-end events.
Humans and animals share an ancient history of co-dependence, but this relationship extends far beyond domestication for food and labor purposes. The medical field, for example, utilized leeches and maggots for centuries, if not millennia. More modern times see a broader selection of animals helping their human partners through many different permanent and temporary conditions. Such admirable creatures as well as those taking the time to train them for the good of mankind rightfully deserve however many accolades people can give.
Physical Assistance Easily the most common type of therapy animal — and probably the one that always pops into peoples’ heads — are those working as assistants to the disabled and elderly. Dogs make for especially adroit companions, and organizations such as Assistance Dogs International devote their time and resources to training these amazing animals to better serve those needing of their help. Most probably think of these venerable canines as guides for the blind, but they also assist those in wheelchairs, the elderly and individuals with other sensory or physical impairments who face down difficult times getting around. Although extremely common, dogs aren’t the only animals used to make life easier for the elderly and/or disabled. Monkeys, too, provide similar, though not identical, services. Their natural agility, dexterity and intelligence make them ideal for scrambling into out-of-reach spots for desired items. Many also learn how to feed and wash their human friends!
Thomas Mickel represented VTRC aboard Belle in a Western Equitation class with the help of volunteer Jamie Miller during the Special Olympic Area Equestrian Games. Photo Courtesy of the Client.
Wellington FL – March 16, 2011 – Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) is preparing to participate in the Special Olympic Equestrian Games. This weekend 39 riders from VTRC will be competing at the county games to qualify for the area competition. The Regional and State games will be held in April and May.
The County qualifier will be held Saturday March 19, 2011 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. VTRC is providing ten of their 23 horses for this weekend’s event. Thirty-nine riders from VTRC and six from Haiti will be participating this Saturday. The riders will compete to qualify for the Area Special Olympic Equestrian Games April 2, 2011 at the Jim Brandon Arena. The competitors then advance to the State Special Olympic Equestrian Games in Tampa on May 20 and 21, 2011 and finally International Special Olympic Equestrian Games.
Riders as young as 8 including more mature riders compete in the Special Olympic Games. This year’s competition includes a team of riders from Haiti. The Royal Inn has donated rooms for the athletes during their stay, with the help of Councilman Jess Santa Maria.
Courtney King Dye during one of her sessions at VTRC, being taped for CBS 12. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Client.
Loxahatchee, FL – March 10, 2011 – Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center has played a part in the recovery of Olympic Dressage rider, Courtney King Dye. Last March a tragic accident left King Dye with a brain injury unable to remember, walk, or speak. After months of therapy and with the help of the program and horses at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, King Dye is on the road to success. Vinceremos, however, is only one part of the incredible team that has helped with her recovery as Arlene White and Stacey Brown have also played tremendous roles in this remarkable story.
CBS12 acknowledged Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center on February 25, 2011 for their part in the success of King Dye’s recovery. The segment featured Vinceremos’ work with King Dye including statements from King Dye about her recovery. Since she was able to start therapy King Dye has devoted hours a day to her recovery. She is determined to return as a champion and her goal is to once again compete. She is counting on the animal she loves to help her make a full recovery. Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center has been helping her achieve these results and hopes to see her achieve these goals. King Dye uses all her strength for hippotherapy at Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center.
Tami Hoag was the Celebrity Hostess at the recent VTRC’s Benefit Auction and Dinner Dance in Wellington, Florida. (Photo courtesy of Rebecca Hinson)
Wellington, FL (March 8, 2011) – New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag enjoyed one of the most rewarding evenings of the charity season when she served as the Celebrity Hostess of the recent Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s Benefit Auction and Dinner Dance. It was the second year in a row for Hoag to host the event, and the sold-out benefit featured 500 guests in attendance at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.
“It was another fantastic evening and it was bigger and better than ever,” Hoag said. “I know firsthand what time spent with horses can do for the soul. To be able to help disabled individuals have the same experience is a gift I’m glad to give.”
During the benefit, all 22 of the Vinceremos horses were “adopted,” which insures that Vinceremos will be able to continue providing recreational and therapeutic riding instruction for special needs children and adults in Palm Beach County. Founded in 1982, Vinceremos is a nonprofit organization located in Loxahatchee, Florida, near the world famous Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, home to the Winter Equestrian Festival.
One lucky horse will soon be decked out in the entire line of Draper Equine Therapy Products, thanks to a “Draped in Draper” raffle being held at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. (Photo courtesy of Draper Therapies)
Wellington, FL (March 1, 2011) – One lucky horse will soon be decked out in the entire line of Draper Equine Therapy Products, thanks to a “Draped in Draper” raffle being held at the 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, as well as online at www.drapertherapies.com/drapedindraper.
Sponsored by Draper Equine Therapy, makers of therapeutic horse and rider products featuring the innovative “smart fiber” Celliant, the winning horse will win the following Draper products: one Stable Blanket, one Anti-Sweat Sheet, one Quarter Sheet, one Cooler, one Saddle Pad, two pairs of Recovery Wraps, two pairs of Pillow Wraps, two pairs of Polo Wraps, two pairs of Perfect Polos and one pair of Hock Boots.
“This is an amazing opportunity for one horse to own all of our Draper products, so they certainly will be ‘Draped in Draper’,” said Kat Wojtylak, Product Manager at Draper Therapies. “Horse owners can sign up online and we have two kiosks at WEF, one outside of the horse show office and another outside of The Sanctuary at PBIEC. We have heard from so many trainers and riders and they are really excited about the raffle and of course everyone is hoping that they will win.”
Pat Parelli will put his rodeo knowledge to work for a great cause when he joins Robert Dover, Margie Engle, and other judges during VTRC’s Mechanical Bull Riding Contest. (Photo by Hubbell Photography)
Wellington, FL (February 16, 2011) – There’s no bull about it that Pat Parelli, the founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, understands the relationship between a horse and rider. As a former rodeo bareback bronc rider, Parelli will put his rodeo knowledge to work for a great cause when he joins Robert Dover, Margie Engle, and an esteemed panel of judges during the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s Mechanical Bull Riding Contest.
Parelli, who won the Bareback Rookie of the Year title in 1972, will help judge the “Final Buck Off” during the Vinceremos Dinner and Auction at the International Polo Club on February 18th. The “Buck Off” competition will take place during a Vinceremos benefit and auction entitled “My First Pony”.
Vinceremos, located in Loxahatchee near the famed grounds of the Winter Equestrian Festival, uses horses and therapy to enhance the lives of special needs people in Palm Beach County.
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