sometimes the first step to healing isn’t one we take ourselves…
The story of many of our riders often doesn’t begin at HorseSense. Instead, it begins years, even decades, before trying—and oftentimes failing—to take the first step in their own shoes. This is because that first important step sometimes can’t be taken with a foot… Sometimes, that first step requires a hoof.
As a result of the unique bond each rider develops with one of our equine “therapists,” the first real step and breakthrough toward healing often begins when the horse takes that first step during lessons, bearing the rider on their back and supporting them—literally and figuratively. But several of our riders come from disadvantaged backgrounds. While there are many wonderful programs available to financially facilitate this first big step, more often than not, riders will inevitably fall through the cracks and not qualify for coverage.
At HorseSense, we do everything we can to ensure our lessons are accessible to all, regardless of the financial circumstances. HorseSense grants scholarship on a case-by-case basis for those who can’t afford this care on their own. But our Scholarship Program is only possible because of generous people like you: individuals in our community who support our neighbors in need.
We need your help to fund our scholarship program so that we can make therapeutic horseback riding lessons accessible to everyone in need.
will you help a neighbor take that first step?
“I went into this program with a lot of apprehension and fear of horses. But lessons have helped me face my fears, which I have been able to apply to other areas. There is something humbling and awe-inspiring about being with horses and engaging with them in kind ways. I know that there are many like me who do not qualify for support, but are also not financially in a place with enough discretionary income to afford them. Community support sparks healing and changes lives. I am deeply grateful to scholarship donors for helping me heal.”
Rachel, HorseSense Scholarship Program rider
Meet Case. He loves farming, gardening & taking care of his chickens. at age 3, he was diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
“Four years ago, I was driving to work and I heard Sammi on the local radio talking about HorseSense,” said Monica, Case’s Mom. “My older brother went to a therapeutic riding center when we were younger and I remembered what an impact therapeutic horseback riding had on his life. I knew it would be a great way to get Case involved in a physical activity and socializing with others.”
But in the state of Minnesota—where Monica and her family live—Case does not qualify for state-funded assistance. Raising a child with special needs comes with a lot of unexpected expenses. The HorseSense Scholarship Program ensures that Case is able to get the support he needs year after year.
“Working with horses provides a sense of calm and peacefulness,” Monica said. “Case has a strong sense of accomplishment when caring for and riding the horses, and is able to focus during lessons in a way that we don’t otherwise see while receiving physical and cognitive enrichment.”
Physical and social activities enrich the lives of all children, but children with special needs are oftentimes unable to participate in those vital activities. Without HorseSense and the generous donors who fund the organization’s Scholarship Program, Case would be missing out on critical developmental activities. Donations made to the scholarship fund provide opportunities to individuals—just like Case—that would otherwise not be possible.
“Riding has become a passion for Case,” Monica said. “We have found very few activities that are so inclusive, enriching and supportive of Case’s needs as the programs are at HorseSense.”
