Tag Archives: Therapeutic Riding

Bruce Ekstrom Donates Horse to The Marion County Therapeutic Riding Association

September 11, 2012 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Ocala, FL (September 11, 2012) – Bruce Ekstrom of Tuigpaarden Farms in Ocala, Florida and Hackney Hill Farm in Shelbyville, Kentucky is well known for his philanthropic contributions to the equine community, and he has demonstrated a special affinity for therapeutic riding programs particular. Ekstrom recently donated Hemi, a sleek French Trotter, to the Marion County Therapeutic Riding Association when he recognized that the horse’s character and disposition would make him an excellent therapy horse. Hemi, who was imported from France, has won over a half million dollars as a roadster and driving horse.

The French Trotter is the equivalent to the USTA’s Standardbred, and Ekstrom purchased Hemi to be his personal road horse as the gelding possessed exceptional speed, elegance and intelligence: all the qualities for an ideal competitive driving horse. A previous owner changed the horse’s name to Hemi, which is a very powerful type of engine, to reflect his power and brilliance. The decision to reschool Hemi and donate him to the Marion County Therapeutic Riding Association was based on the horse’s love of people and intuitive sense for recognizing confidence or insecurity in those around him. “Hemi has an excellent disposition, but he is also able to read people’s energy,” said Ekstrom. “Because of this I knew he would excel as a therapy horse and began to school him under saddle for this purpose. He’s simply an exceptional horse, and when he has finished his job at the Therapeutic Riding center, he will come back to my farm for his retirement.”

Continue reading Bruce Ekstrom Donates Horse to The Marion County Therapeutic Riding Association →

Community/Charity, Equestrian Assistance, Equine Assisted Therapy, WHIN

Military Heroes and Families to Saddle Up for Horses4Heroes Operation Free Ride Sunday May 27, 2012

May 25, 2012 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Horses4Heroes, one of the most successful equestrian support groups for the military, is riding into Nashville, Sunday, May 27, from noon to 5:30 pm with a special Operation Free Ride open house for military heroes and their families. The event is being held at A Cowboy Town in White’s Creek. Owner Denise Reynolds, herself a member of the National Guard and home from a recent deployment, knows a thing or two about sacrifice and service! “This is a great opportunity for our local military families to come out and enjoy not only a day with horses, but a fun-filled day of horseback riding, pony rides, panning for gold, canoeing, fishing, country western music and BBQ.” The event is free and open to anyone with Military ID.

Operation Free Ride, spearheaded by Horses4Heroes in partnership with the Armed Forces Foundation, is the largest collaboration of equestrian organizations and breed associations, uniting in support of our troops, veterans, Wounded Warriors and families. Operation Free Ride is a national initiative to introduce the therapeutic and healing power of horses and the recreational benefits of horseback riding to those who serve. To date, we have 160 facilities in 40 states plus Canada. More than 1000 have registered for a free ride via www.operationfreeride.com.

Continue reading Military Heroes and Families to Saddle Up for Horses4Heroes Operation Free Ride Sunday May 27, 2012 →

Competitions, Equine Assisted Therapy, Events, Fundraisers, Phelps Media Group

Team Orian Conquered the Bull in the Second Preliminary “Buck Off” and Teams Gear Up for This Week’s Competition at New Equestrian Village

February 1, 2012 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Loxahatchee, FL – January 31, 2012 – The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center (VTRC) held its second preliminary “Buck Off” last Thursday at the White Horse Tavern’s Patio. The fundraiser benefits the VTRC, an organization that witnesses countless miracles on a daily basis and truly lives up to its meaning, “to overcome.”

The “Buck Off” consists of three preliminary rounds in which teams of four compete on a mechanical bull to earn the highest score. The winning team will move on to the final event held on February 10, 2012. The buzz about the event has been nothing but positive. “The conversations about the ‘Buck Off’ have been simply amazing,” said Bobbi Rottman, with Equine Solutions. “The energy here is about double what it was last year, and that’s impressive considering that the winners from last year said it was the talk of the town all year.”

As Rottman’s “brain-child,” its success means the world to her. She had wanted to help the VTRC reach out to the younger generations and hold an event where everyone could come together and have a great time. The first time the event was held was at the annual dinner and auction three years ago. The response was so immense that the committee had to turn people away. Soon after, it was decided to make the “Buck Off” its own fundraising event for the VTRC leading up to the annual benefit. They have received overwhelming support from sponsors throughout the years, and this year Floridian Community Bank, Palm Beach Equine Clinic and White Horse Tavern Catering are to thank.

Continue reading Team Orian Conquered the Bull in the Second Preliminary “Buck Off” and Teams Gear Up for This Week’s Competition at New Equestrian Village →

Equestrian Assistance, Equine Assisted Therapy, WHIN

Horses4Heroes

January 27, 2012 Associate Editor Leave a comment

As the president/founder/executive director of Horses4Heroes, Inc., I am pleased and proud to introduce our horseback riding organization to all troops, combat veterans, and military families!

As you may or may not have heard, NARHA/PATH, the creator of the Horses for Heroes program, therapeutic riding for Wounded Warriors, has abandoned the use of the name Horses for Heroes and will be re-branding this therapeutic riding program. The other Horses4Heroes, our organization is able-bodied, affordable horseback riding for returning combat veterans and the entire family, which also needs healing and therapeutic interactions with horses! In addition, we serve all active duty military personnel, First Responders, critical care and hospice nurses and others who have physically dangerous and emotionally demanding jobs.

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Community/Charity, Equine Assisted Therapy, EQUUS Foundation, Phelps Media Group

Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center Receives Gray & Jerry Fadden Horse Whisperer Grant

September 7, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

BTRC006138 — Students at the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. Photo Courtesy of the Client.

Buffalo, NY – September 6, 2011 – The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) is pleased to announce that it recently received the prestigious Gray & Jerry Fadden Horse Whisperer Grant from the EQUUS Foundation. Each year, the EQUUS Foundation awards grants to charitable organizations that promote the positive use of the horse for the benefit of the general public. BTRC strives towards this goal as it promotes the unique bond between horses and people that can be particularly meaningful to children with disabilities.

The grant was presented to the BTRC in the amount of $5000, which was based on the EQUUS Foundation’s knowledge and understanding of BTRC and its unique program. “We are just so grateful for their generosity,” commented Susan B. Schoellkopf, Director of the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center. “We can’t do the program without the support of a foundation like EQUUS. Lynn Coakley and Jenny Belknap Kees have been so supportive of the program, and it continues to grow by leaps and bounds every year. Over the last year, this grant allowed our program to serve about 80 more children, and we hope to see the same growth during the coming year.”

Based in Buffalo, New York, BTRC provides a safe, relaxing and non-academic environment for children with physical and mental disabilities to interact with horses, volunteers and peers. The grant will be used for scholarships, as approximately 80% of the children who participate are economically disadvantaged and unable to afford the lessons. BTRC is a PATH International Premier Center, which is the highest level of certification available to charities providing therapeutic riding to individuals with disabilities.

Operating out of Buffalo, New York, BTRC is a non-profit organization that promotes and teaches horseback riding – noted for its social and therapeutic benefits – to disadvantaged and emotionally challenged children. Since 1990, the center has provided the experience of riding and caring for horses to children with a variety of disabilities. The program has expanded steadily and currently serves more than 170 children annually.

For more information on Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, please visit www.thebtrc.org.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Community/Charity, Equestrian Assistance, Equine Assisted Therapy, EQUUS Foundation, Phelps Media Group

The EQUUS Foundation Announces 2011 Grant Awards

September 1, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

WESTPORT, CT – August 31, 2011 – The Board of Directors of The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. is pleased to announce the award of over $270,000 in grant awards to 72 charitable organizations that are improving the quality of life for horses and the people who benefit from their unique ability to empower, teach, and heal.

“Each year, the number of worthy charities applying for grants has increased, and this year was no exception. The selection process was very difficult,” said Jenny Belknap Kees, Board Chairman. “Organizations complete an extensive application to insure that the donations we receive from individuals and organizations, event attendance, and our named grant program, are well spent.”

The Michele E. Arnhold Grant was established by the family of Michele E. Arnhold in 2008 in memory of Michele’s life-long passion, her pursuit of excellence and her commitment and contribution to the equestrian sport. The EQUUS Foundation selected the American Institute for Neuro-Integrative Development to receive the 2011 grant to underwrite the cost of providing therapeutic riding instruction to students with neuro-biologically based learning and developmental disabilities at the Giant Steps School in Southport, Connecticut.

The program, which started as a pilot in 2007, is held at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport, Connecticut, which donates the use of its facilities and horses. The Bridgeport Police Mounted Unit also supports the program by donating larger horses for the older children involved.

Continue reading The EQUUS Foundation Announces 2011 Grant Awards →

*Featured/Spotlights, Community/Charity, Competitions, Dressage, Equestrian Assistance, Equine Assisted Therapy

Dressage at Devon and Thorncroft, Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc. Celebrate 20 Years

August 24, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Devon, PA (August 24, 2011) – 2011 marks the 20th anniversary of the selection of Thorncroft Therapeutic Riding Inc. as the beneficiary of Dressage at Devon. Since 1991, Thorncroft has received more than $1,000,000 from Dressage at Devon. These funds have been used to support students with disabilities who have shown a dedication to the sport and the horses.

Steven Reed (left) is one such student. In 2004, when Steven Reed was 8 years old, his mom Linda, wanted to find an activity for her son that would help him grow and reach his goals. Knowing that Steven was an animal lover, Linda thought riding might appeal to him. Steven was hooked after just one visit.

For the next several years, Steven took weekly, then twice weekly lessons – first on a pony (Blossom), working his way up to the horses he rides (and jumps!) today. Steven’s dedication to the sport and the animals continues to grow. He volunteers in the barn in exchange for one of his lessons, a job he took on at age 13. Sundays, Steve can often be found cleaning stalls and doing other necessary barn work.

“Thorncroft is an amazing place. From the moment he started riding, Steven has not only learned horsemanship but has made many friends,” said Linda Reed.

Steven received his first scholarship just one year after he began riding. And, among other honors, this year Steven was the recipient of the Grace Levin Scholarship Award. His weekly lessons include individual training as well as practice sessions with the Thorncroft Mainstreamers.

Continue reading Dressage at Devon and Thorncroft, Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Inc. Celebrate 20 Years →

Contributors/Press, Equine Assisted Therapy, Publications/Media

Equine Therapy: NAHRA No More, Now PATH, by Claire Dorotik

July 26, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

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.”

Continue reading Equine Therapy: NAHRA No More, Now PATH, by Claire Dorotik →

Awards, Community/Charity, Competitions, Equine Assisted Therapy, FEI, Western/Reining

Actor and Horse-Lover William Shatner Endorses FEI’s Star Date in Rio

July 6, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

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:

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Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Driving, Equine Assisted Therapy, Eventing/H.T., Events, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Luncheon at Port Mayaca’s Driving Trial to Benefit New Handicap Driving Program at VTRC

May 4, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Skippy005797 — 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.

Continue reading Luncheon at Port Mayaca’s Driving Trial to Benefit New Handicap Driving Program at VTRC →

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