our riders need your financial support
Recent polls reveal that mental health in the united states is on a downward spiral…
This, combined with record inflation and substantial increases in the overall cost of living, has put many of the riders at HorseSense in a very difficult position: having to choose between paying for their basic needs or the healthcare they desperately need.
Not all riders qualify for financial support from such entities like the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, who help make lessons feasible to some qualified riders. But all riders deserve to have access to therapeutic services they need to heal.
In an effort to bridge this gap, HorseSense created out Scholarship Program in order to reduce the cost of lessons for those who need financials support and don’t qualify for alternative programming. We are able to do this only through the generous support of our community. The Scholarship Program makes lessons possible for riders like Rachel, who has experienced tranformational benefits from working hands-on with our herd of therapy horses.
“It’s been life changing in the best of ways for me,” Rachel said.
But we can’t help these riders without you. We need your help to fund out Scholarship Program so that we can continue to make therapeutic horseback riding lessons accessible to everyone in need—regardless of their financial situation.
WILL YOU HELP RIDERS GET THE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT THEY NEED BY MAKING A DONATION TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM?
“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.”
Riding isn’t the only way to benefit from our program…
Supporting other riders as a volunteer has tremendous therapeutic benefits as well. But don’t take our word for it; hear what Krystail, who has been riding and volunteering with us for years, has to say about HorseSense:
“As someone who struggles with mental health, horseback riding has helped me manage my mental health. It amazes me how far I have come mentally since I started riding (three years ago). Not only do I ride, but I also volunteer before my lessons. While I am at HorseSense, I forget everything that is going on outside of the barn. I always know that when I am there, I am accepted for me, 100%.
“Before I got involved with HorseSense, I was an emotional wreck going through the grieving process of losing my uncle, trying to figure out who I was and what my purpose was, and just teenage drama. I suffer from Depression, Anxiety and ADHD. Despite my diagnoses, I do not let them stop me from being me. I wasn’t able to do this all by myself until HorseSense. Ever since I started horseback riding, I have been more open minded about what life throws my way and I don’t shut down like I used to. Personally, I don’t think I would be the person I am today without HorseSense.
“I enjoy everything about my private lessons, but my favorite part is when I get to trot. I have been riding Willie long enough to the point where he can sense when I am having an off day. Some people say that horses can be intimidating, but once you really get to know a horse they are not all that scary. Being able to go up to the barn is like an escape for me; I forget everything negative going on when I am at HorseSense riding or volunteering. Long story short: horseback riding is an amazing form of animal assisted therapy.”
