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| 3/25/2015 8:58:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Therapeutic Horseback Riding
EquiVenture focuses on improving each of our riders'
potential through their equine experience. We help them
meet the physical, mental, behavioral and social
challenges of their special needs. "There is something
about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of
a man." - Winston Churchill. EquiVenture provides the
opportunity for special youth to take advantage of the
extraordinary physical and psychological benefits of
horseback riding. The rhythmic motion of the horse acts
as a powerful tool to improve documented benefits of
strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance.
Therapeutic riding programs have been witness to
autistic children uttering the name of their horse,
wheelchair-bound individuals walking for the first time
after a riding session, and thousands of children and
adults who have a renewed enthusiasm for life after
climbing aboard a horse.
Few things in life are more rewarding than the smile of
pride and joy on the face of a client after a few minutes
of riding in an atmosphere of love and support.
Located at: 6086 W. 250 S. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2573
Russiaville, IN 46979 Kokomo, IN 46904
Phone: Bonnie at 765-860-9227 or Jim at 765-455-3887
Facebook: EquiVenture Therapeutic Riding
Website: equiventure.org
Equiventure
It's Never Too Late
New Beginnings
EquiVenture 2014
Last year our classes were held on Thurs-
day evenings from 4:00-7:15, and we had 15
riders who faithfully attended each Thursday.
We especially want to thank our parents and
volunteers for all of the effort they put into at-
tending and making this such a great program.
The riders benefitted from the rhythmic walk
of our specially trained horses: Pecos, Wheat-
ie, Cheyenne, Sailor, Bubba, Wish, Cloud, &
Quart. The rider's abilities varied, with some
who could guide their horse and needed only
one side walker, to some who needed a volun-
teer as a back-rider for support and balance.
The riders worked on things such as; holding
the reins and steering the horse, sitting up tall
(good posture), leg position, verbal cues, and
concentration. For the riders, concentration,
discipline and self-respect grow as they learn
and accomplish horsemanship skills. The
horse is a friend or ally who does not judge or
make demands of them. Together they work
toward the riders' goals while they are having a
good time.
Riding Schedule for 2015
This year, our volunteer training will be on Thursday, April 30 at
4:00 at the barn. Classes will begin on Thursday, May 7th and con-
tinue on May 14, 21, (not the 28th), June 4, 11, 18, 25 and July 16,
23, 30, and August 6, 13, 20, 27. The Horse Show will be on Sept.
13 at 3:00 with a bon fire to follow.
EquiVenture is located in Howard County and
is the only facility in the country that has been
able to operate for this long without ever
charging a fee to our riders. We do this by
utilizing an extensive all-volunteer staff. Our
volunteers assist the riders by leading the
horses or side walking, or they help in many
other ways including horse care, barn
maintenance, publicity, and fund-raising. These
are just a few of the ways our volunteers keep
the program going. A special than you to Boy
Scout Troop 519 for moving stacks of hay from
the back of the barn to the front, so that daily
feeding of the horses is much easier. They
faithfully come out every week to move the hay.
However, there are expenses involved in our
program. The horses need food and healthcare,
which cost money, especially when you are
caring for 8 horses. They need wormed and
their hooves trimmed bimonthly, plus vaccines
and a vet check annually. There are also
program expenses, such as equipment (saddles
and tack) and miscellaneous supplies. We also
pay for new instructors to get their training.
Sometimes we are able to get grants for some of
the bigger expenses when possible. We only do
one fund-raiser for the year, and that is selling
cookie dough.
If you would like to donate to our program, we
will gladly accept donations of any amount. The
donations go towards feed for the horses,
equipment upgrades, and general maintenance
of the facility. We hope that you will support
EquiVenture so we may continue to offer our
wonderful services that help so many. You can
be assured that your donations will be used
wisely. Donations can be mailed to the address
on page 1 of this newsletter or you can go online
to our web site at www.equiventure.org
Donations Kindly Accepted
Testimonial
"Equiventure has made a big impact in my life. Not
only has it taught me how to properly care for a
horse but it has taught me the love and compassion
a horse can have. It has taught me the basics of
horse riding and how a horse really influences the
lives of other people. Volunteering at Equiventure I
have gotten to witness some of the best experienc-
es such as; kids constant smiling face everywhere,
the miracles of them walking and talking for the first
time, and knowing the horses are enjoying just as
much as the children. How I became involved in
Equiventure was when I needed a horse for 4H.
Pecos was my very first horse that showed me my
love for contesting. When we were in the ring, he
knew his time was running out and when we were
out he knew his job was just beginning. His differ-
entiation between being a horse at Equiventure and
a contesting horse for me was outstanding. He'd be
the fastest horse in the ring and the slowest horse
for the children. Pecos was the sweetest and my
best friend, riding bareback in the fields, wrangling
up when the little guys would get up, taking naps
together in the sun, and staying out late under the
stars in the barn. Even though moving away from
Equiventure saddens me I know that retiring Pecos
to his true love was the right thing. The memories I
have made will forever be in my heart and never
forgotten and I am so great for my experience with
Equiventure." Miranda McGuire
Thank you to all of the dedicated parents and riders who make our program fun and
rewarding. Thanks also to all of the volunteers who give selflessly to support our pro-
gram and make it successful. A special thanks goes to Jim Crew for mowing every
week, the Boy Scouts who moved hay every week and when they couldn't John did.
Jim Crew got his son Mike involved, who got his boss involved and they worked on
the electrical wiring for us, AND so many volunteers that were there week after week!
We couldn't have done it without YOU!
We are also grateful for a large donation of tack from an anonymous donor.
Thank You !!!
Two of the young men from Boy Scout Troop 519 are
working with Bonnie to add 2 more phases on to our
Sensory Trail as an Eagle Scout Project. EV is hoping
to receive a grant through the Area 5 Agency to help
fund this project.
Waterford Residential Center has themed events periodically. When they had a Old West event,
EquiVenture provided the equine flavor--Bubba was a big hit and brought a lot of smiles to the resi-
dents' faces.
Ryan Beining was diagnosed with PIDG, a very aggressive and deadly cancer. When one of his 'Last
Wish'es was to ride a horse--we made that happen
EquiVenture helps teach our youth about horses and responsible horse care as well as the benefits of
therapeutic riding. Cassidy showed Bubba in the 4H show and they both did great
Our local airport has a benefit for SMA every year and when we did pony rides for them, Bubba
dressed the part! It was so windy that day, that Bubba was the only one able to take off!
Valerie Gordon donated a beautiful piece of art to EquiVenture because it made her think of how we help
children achieve a freedom that they don't normally have.
We are excited to announce that we have a new volunteer who is going through training to become a Certified riding instructor
for the Equiventure Program. Her name is Deborah Wise. Following is some information that she wrote up for us:
I have been a practicing clinician for 25 years, the last 18 in pediatrics specifically. I graduated from IU in 1990 with an associ-
ate of science degree in Occupational Therapy. My primary focus has been children 3 and under for the last 14 years, but have
had experience with school age children as well. I LOVE my career path, helping families and children with special
needs. Becoming involved with Equiventure will allow me to extend my compassion for these children, share ideas and my
knowledge base to help them progress and become all they can.
My husband, Tom, and I have two children. Austin is 21 and in college in Indianapolis; Alex is 17 and in high school. We have
two dogs and live rurally. I love to be outdoors, walking, riding bicycle or motorcycle, tending to yardwork and growing vegetables
and herbs. I could easily be classified as a "foodie", love to cook and try new recipes and foods often.
Our Annual Horse Show on September 14,
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