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Giving Back |
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Wings of Hope Equitherapy |
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by Allison Griggs |
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In the beginning... |
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In 1996 Margaret Dickens and Patti Pace had a vision of a non-profit equestrian therapy program to provide horseback riding instruction to children and adults with various physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. Because of that vision, they became the co-founders of Wings of Hope Equitherapy in Egan, Texas just south of Fort Worth. |
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The mission of Wings of Hope was to develop a program that would promote the development of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of each rider in a Christian setting.
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Freckles - Quarter Horse 21 years old |
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The two women were busy raising funds to buy land and build an arena. They found the ideal property the owner discounted the selling price enough for them to purchase the land and start building upon their dream and make their vision a reality.
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Margaret and Patti hoped others would share in their dream in giving children and adults with special needs their own ”®wings of hope!', "Things just started to fall into place. Generous individuals and companies wanted to participate". Said Margaret Dickens, Executive Director.
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Just enough funds were donated to build a covered arena in memory of |
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the late Nancy Knox, a longtime Quarter Horse and Cutting Horse enthusiast. After that, Lockheed Martin came on board to help build the stalls and tack room. HB Zachary Construction donated the concrete and Morrison Supply Company donated the plumbing work and fixtures. Three construction companies from Cleburne sent seven trucks of Asphalt to build the parking area and United Co-op Services donated the outdoor lighting. |
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And so it was, Margaret and Patti's vision was now a wonderful reality nestled in 25 wooded acres complete with pastures and riding trails. The facility now includes a ten-stall barn, classroom, office, and two wheelchair accessible restrooms. "It is a healing haven for our riders and their families." said Dickens.
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Boomer - registerd Quarter Horse
with rider Seth Ellsworth |
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When the center opened in July of 1996 they had one rider and today they serve 65 riders participating in weekly sessions. In addition to the physical therapeutic benefit, riders are linked up with a caring support system of staff members, volunteers, and other families. Our 70 trained volunteers attest to the community support available to make our program successful.
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Wings of Hope Equitherapy is a Premier Center fully accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and serves clients from Tarrant,
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Dallas, and Johnson Counties. All Wings of Hope instructors are NARHA certified and have extensive experience with both horses and disabled riders. |
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The staff at Wings of Hope works closely with the families to coordinate the riders' goals effectively. Prior to beginning our program, riders are assessed to determine their needs and a plan of action is formulated. At regular intervals riders are re-evaluated to assess their progress. To provide for the spiritual needs of these families, they have worship services geared toward these special children and adults.
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The future of Wings of Hope is bright. In the near future they hope to offer Physical Therapy and plan to partner with health agencies to provide a more complete therapeutic program.
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Red- with rider Claude Jones |
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Wings of Hope succeeds largely because of the financial support provided by generous donations from the Amon G. Carter Foundation, The Ryan Foundation, and many other organizations and individual donors in the Fort Worth-Dallas. |
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More information about Wings of Hope is available on the website: www.wingsofhopehorses.org or call the office at 817-790-8810.
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BENEFITS OF EQUESTRIAN THERAPY |
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The benefits of therapeutic horseback riding are many for children and adults with neurological deprivation and disfunction. Because they are unable to experience neuromuscular |
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stimulation, spatial orientation, and proper body placement as do able-bodied indivduals, they are unable to develop normal patterns of movement, balance, and coordination. Thus, they are unable to function properly in everyday activities. |
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Research has shown that assisted body placement, patterning, and repetition of external stimulation produces enhancment of overall functional activity including balance, coordination, spatial orientation, and cognitive functioning. Horseback riding provides the external stimulus of altered extremity and body placement along with rhytmical gaited motion that improves cardiovascular and respiratory function as well as increased circulation, improved bowel function and joint mobility.
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Ngo Minh Anh - participating in Chisholm Challenge-Fort Worth Stock Show |
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Probably the most important benefit is that of a positive psychological uplift. By experiencing the world from a different vantage point and by receiving new movement patterns and stimulating activities, the riders develop a more positive attitude.
-Wayne R. English, DO, FAOCPMR
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| How You Can Help |
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- Leading Horses
- Side walking Horses
- Day Captain
- Participate in Prayer Group Between Classes
- Assist Instructors
- Assist with Annual Special Olympics and Other Rider Events
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Nathan Armstrong - with special olympics gold medal |
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NO HORSE EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!
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Volunteers are the lifeblood of our program. Many thanks to all of our dedicated friends who contribute
so much time and energy to our vision and our mission. Contact us today if you would like more information on how to become a volunteer! |
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Read comments or post your own comments to this article at the bottom of this page. |
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Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved. The above article is the property of the Author and may not be duplicated or redistributed in any way without permission. |
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Reader comments for this article |
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Name: Christina Savitsky Time: 2008-02-02 19:02:09
Comment: Remember, even if you don't live close enough to volunteer for Wings of Hope you can check out the NARHA website (www.narha.org) to find a program in your area that would love to have YOU as a volunteer!
I hope this isn't considered advertising :) Programs like this one depend on their volunteers & if/when we get a volunteer with horse experience it's a really good match for everyone involved!
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