I am happy to announce that our class has donated $115 to Southern Tier Alternative Therapies (STAT). STAT is a non-profit organization that offers equine assisted activities and therapy to special needs children and at risk youth. Some people who can afford the therapy do pay for the services, but many receive scholarships because they would not be able to afford the therapy otherwise. Equine therapy is used for some children because they can sit on the horse and do different exercises and movements with the guidance of a hippotherapist. The horse's movements aid the child because gaits and movement of the horse are similar (in some ways) to a human gait. This method has been very successful in helping children having better mobility while simultaneously acquiring confidence and knowledge of horses.
I chose this organization because I have personally known a few children that have done hippotherapy and have had amazing results. I believe that this organization is helping the vulnerable special needs community gain confidence for the future for jobs and other challenges they may face. I have also worked at a barn that provided hippotherapy and have been able to be involved with a few sessions. I remember the boy being so happy and excited because it was his time to "be a cowboy." For the children , they are not going the physical therapy, they are going to see their favorite horse. Hippotherapy is a great thing for children and adults because it gives them a break from the boring and sometimes painful regular physical therapy.
Supporting this organization will help more children experience success and confidence while working their bodies. With $115 we have provided four sessions of hippotherapy for a child. The cost may seem high, but in reality the therapists must have horses and care for them as well. This is an awesome cause and I am so glad we were able to support it!
For more information visit STAT's website!
http://www.statinc.org/
I think this is a wonderful place for our money to have gone! If you or anyone else is passionate about hippotherapy, another local provider is Stable Movements:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.stablemovements.com/
The Binghamton University Pre-Vet society volunteers there, and it's a wonderful resource, as I'm sure STAT is. Places like these are invaluable, and are often the last resort after traditional therapy fails. However, as Meredith mentioned, horses are very expensive to keep, and that doesn't include the cost of physical therapy and occupational therapy equipment. So any money that can be donated is money that is always desperately needed.
This is also a very good example of how donating time is just as important. I'm not familiar with STAT, but I know Stable Movements relies heavily on volunteers. You can choose to help with the keeping of the horses, the therapy sessions, or both, to whatever degree you feel comfortable. Caring for multiple horses take a very large amount of time. Any work you can put in frees up time and money that the owners and staff can use to better help the kids who come for therapy. And if you're a horse lover, but can't afford your own horse or riding sessions, this is a wonderful opportunity to interact with your favorite animals while making a difference!
If pet therapy interests you, there are organizations that you can volunteer with, and even services that help you train your pets to become service animals:
http://www.volunteerguide.org/hours/service-projects/pet-therapy
I think Meredith made good use of the Tweet of the Week money and will be looking into volunteering with/donating to STAT, since it fits my interests very well!
Sarah,
DeleteSTAT provides scholarships for those who ride at various stables in the area, including Stable Movements! That's great to hear that you are familiar with hippotherapy also!