Welcome all – visitors, fellow Rotarians and guests alike to this E-Club program!
At the beginning of each meeting we remind ourselves of the The Four-Way Test. Therefore, please remember to ask yourself always . . .
A Light Moment (courtesy of Reader's Digest.com)
A guy is walking through the country when he spots a sign that reads, “Talking Horse for Sale.” Intrigued, he walks up to the stable to check it out.
“So what have you done with your life?” he asks the horse.
“I’ve led a full life,” the horse answers miraculously. “I was born in The Andes where I herded for an entire village. Years later, I joined the mounted police force in New York and helped keep the city clean. And now, I spend my days giving free rides to underprivileged kids here in the country.”
The guy is flabbergasted. He asks the horse’s owner, “Why on earth would you want to get rid of such an incredible animal?”
The owner says, “Because he’s a liar! He never did any of that!”
On Eagles' wings: uplifted by horses
Horses have always been noble animals, standing steadily at the side of mankind. Together, the two have pioneered new lands, built cities, and created thriving civilizations. Today, horses have earned a less utilitarian role and are largely companions, but some horses still have important jobs to serve humanity.
Much like the way service dogs can help those with disabilities live more complete and fulfilling lives, it has been discovered that horsemanship can have positive physical and emotional impacts on both children and adults with special needs.
According to the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), equine therapy, often called hippotherapy, is defined as “a physical, occupational or speech therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement.” The idea is that the movement of a horse stimulates muscles that are relative to walking and other physical activities that may be a struggle for those with physical limitations. The emotional bond created between the horse and rider has also proven to be beneficial for those with mental disabilities or speech problems.
On Eagles’ Wings is a nonprofit organization based out of Fairmont, West Virginia, with a dedication to providing equine therapy to people with special needs. Established in 2007, On Eagles’ Wings boasts a proud staff, all of whom are certified through PATH International and the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA). The organization has an impressive roster, including Blaze the Wonder Pony, who was voted into the prestigious top 10 therapy horses in the nation in 2012, and staff members include physical therapists and others who hold such credentials as Ph.D.’s and M.A.’s. Ten horses and ponies ‘work’ at the facility, each one specially chosen for its sweet temperament, patient personality, and steady gait. The organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of their patrons through horsemanship and equine-assisted activities like grooming, leading, and caring for the horses.
The physical benefits of horsemanship for those with special needs is astounding. According to On Eagles’ Wings, the movement of a horse can have profound positive effects on a person’s physical and mental wellness and capacity, as well as help those with sensory and balance issues.
The body is not the only thing these specially trained horses can heal. The staff at On Eagles’ Wings has witnessed incredible emotional and mental improvements credited to the bond between the rider and the horses. They have seen previously nonverbal children begin to speak their first words to the horses, overcoming a barrier that traditional medicine had failed to surpass.
Both children and adults are welcome to partake in the equine therapy offered at On Eagles’ Wings, and they work with people who have a plethora of conditions. From cognitive disorders like ADD and PTSD, to traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, to chronic conditions like Spina Bifida, the organization has found a way for their 10 horses and ponies to enrich and improve the lives of those struggling with special needs. Whether the healing comes from the increased strength of habitual riding, the focus and care it takes to tend to the horses, or just the comforting presence of a beautiful animal with kind eyes, On Eagles’ Wings has found a way to connect with the community and offer a unique kind of support and love that can be hard to find.
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