CRIDERSVILLE, OH (WLIO) - A local ranch threw a day full of fall fun to raise money to continue their animal therapies.
They add that those they serve see significant quality of life improvements after spending time with the horses.
The Equestrian Therapy Program's annual Ride-A-Thon featured several of the non-profit's riders showing off their skills on horseback for donation pledges, autumn crafts like pumpkin painting, hay rides around the property, raffles, and a silent auction.
The services they offer to people with physical and developmental disabilities cost them around $90 per hour to provide, but with community support, the non-profit can keep prices low for their riders. They add that those they serve see significant quality of life improvements after spending time with the horses.
The Equestrian Therapy Program's annual Ride-A-Thon featured several of the non-profit's riders showing off their skills on horseback.
"The physical benefits are amazing. Their movement is better. Every time that horse takes a step, it's over 110 different movements in your body. The emotional benefits are just amazing because, really, when they're up there riding, or even when it's equine-assisted psychotherapy, to deal with an animal of that size, and the self-esteem improvement is just amazing. And they feel good; the horses respond to them, and they're very, very gentle, and they're very kind," explained executive director Michele Andrews-Sabol.
If you're interested in working with horses, The Equestrian Therapy Program is always seeking new volunteers.
