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Permalink Reply by Marli on January 19, 2010 at 5:29pm

The therapy facilities are unique. Do you think that Colleen could give an introduction about Borrowed Freedom, how it operates and the achievements? Because I've always been so involved in actual rescue or tranisitioning I had never realized the valuable resources equine assisted therapies are.

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Permalink Reply by Special Horses, Inc. on January 19, 2010 at 5:59pm

Great idea!

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Permalink Reply by Borrowed Freedom Equine Therapy on January 20, 2010 at 11:11am

Marli, I think bringing rescues together with therapy centers can results in some wonderful partnerships.

Take our Paco for example. Because Lori at Sunkissed Acres has been involved with equine therapy when I called she knew instantly that Paco would be perfect for us. And he is! The little ones, Rye and Firefly are going to be a very important part of the program as well. Rye, because of his size, makes a wonderful visiting horse for presentations at schools and centers. Firefly has the makings of a top-notch driving prospect which will be a large part of our program within the next few years. Trooper was adopted through the COTH giveaways, and while not a rescue he is the been there, done that type of horse that finds a second career in a therapy center to be the perfect fit.

Therapy programs look for horses that are sound, calm, older and typically 14-16 hh. Stockier breeds like the Fjord, Icelandic and Hafflinger are wonderful for us too because they can accommodate a wide range of riders. Most programs (including ours) work with riders at the walk, trot and sometimes the canter. We have riders that are able to do most anything and want to try so we also like to have horses that are able to at least handle 2'6" comfortably as well. Basically we are looking for those one in a million, priceless horses that turn up in the rescues all the time covered in filth and malnourished waiting for a chance to be loved again.

In partnership with Special Horses, Inc. we hope to start a series of informative online sessions that help our groups evaluate horses in their programs for potential use in a therapeutic settings. I am hoping to get started with them soon!

Colleen

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Permalink Reply by Special Horses, Inc. on January 20, 2010 at 2:00pm

Lori Tankel (Heartland Horse Rescue) is also starting up a therapy program with her two minis.

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Permalink Reply by Marli on January 22, 2010 at 9:56pm

Thanks Colleen for that nice introduction. Would be wonderful to mesh together traditional equine rescues with assisted therapy programs. Years ago (when I lived in Pa.), I remember the introduction of the March of Dimes coordinating with the show barn we stabled at. Not only was it a great feeling to watch the handicapped children and adults interact with the horses but it also was a wonderful opportunity for some of the children from the barn (that boarded their horses) to participate as volunteers. My kids included. And I believe if I've done my reading correctly, there are many different types of therapies involved, correct? A real win-win for the horses chosen for the program and the children and adults it involves! :-)

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Permalink Reply by Special Horses, Inc. on January 25, 2010 at 12:43am

Exactly. And by spreading the word, it's a way that horses appropriate for equine assisted therapy can find homes where they are treasured for what they offer, and frees up space at a rescue for other horses.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Lamm on January 22, 2010 at 5:58pm

This is my super special orphaned colt, that I rescued, fostered, adopted through the Wild Horses in Need Foundation and my cause is the wild horses... but they are kind of hard to home. I'd rather initiate a roundup and sterilization program and let them roam free.. Oliver does enjoy domestication though.. :)

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Permalink Reply by Special Horses, Inc. on January 22, 2010 at 6:30pm

What a pretty boy!!!!

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