Horses for Healing plans advanced training for volunteers

BENTONVILLE, AR- Horses for Healing (HfH) is hosting an advanced training workshop for volunteers.  Topics are designed to enhance understanding of the many challenges faced by our exceptional riders and will cover:  Physical Disabilities, Therapeutic Riding and Hippotherapy -  a demonstration by Linda Steadman, Physical Therapist and Certified Path Intl. Hippotherapist, Supporting the Child with Hearing Loss - a discussion led by Lou Honderich, long-time HfH Volunteer and author of “Ricki”. Understanding Cognitive Disabilities presented by Hannah Shepard, NBCT, Special Education Teacher from Bentonville Schools. A Ride-a-Long interactive activity with Path Int’l. Certified Riding Instructors Karen Davis and Polly Canez will guide participants in experiencing, first hand, some of the disabilities seen at Horses for Healing.  

“Volunteering at Horses for Healing is such a unique experience,” said Executive Director Linda Brown. “Our volunteers get to see so many life-changing moments. We enjoy hearing children say their first words while riding a horse and seeing children take their first steps because of the physical strength, balance, and coordination they gain from riding.

Horses for Healing provides therapeutic riding lessons for children with special needs across the region.  HfH has five (5) full time staff and more than 80 active volunteers, who are vital in providing area children with special needs the opportunity to participate.  

The training is Thursday, March 13th at the therapeutic riding facility in Bentonville from 9:00-12:00.  Horses for Healing is located at 14673 Daniels Road in Bentonville. For more information about the program contact Debbie Studyvin at (479) 795-0570 or visit www.horsesforhealignwa.org.

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