Vounteers get Trained!

The weekend of March 30-April 1 was a busy one for the staff of Horses for the Spirit and it's a'filly'ates. We produced a Volunteer training on Friday night, with each of the Program Directors giving a brief overview of what their program is about. Robbie Maus, our Board President and Interim Executive Director, presented first. She told the history of HFTS and the current business structure, with Horse Power for Youth as the core program and how Horseshoe University, as the adult program, provides financial support for the youth programs. She also talked about the youth programs and the difference it is making in kids' lives. Diane Crowne did a lovely presentation on the Horseshoe University program, citing a conversation she had had just that day with a corporate client who told her about the impact the equine program had on the team at work. Juanita Chapman was there to talk about the association the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program has with Horses for the Spirit. She also gave examples of some of the exercises used with the horses and individuals or families in a psychotherapy session. I was wearing 2 hats that night.... one hat as the Volunteer Coordinator for HFTS, and the other as Program Director and Instructor for HFTS' affiliate, the Center for Adaptive Riding. I talked about adaptive and therapeutic riding and my philosophy of lesson planning for the individual's goals.
Saturday was the 6 hour training for those interested in volunteering with the Center for Adaptive Riding. There were 7 new volunteers - 3 men among them!! - and 5 volunteers who have been with HFTS since its early days. Billie and her husband Frank graciously let us use their home and horse facility. A handbook was provided, and there was some lecture/discussion about therapeutic riding as well as lots of hands-on experience of handling tack and horses. Billie led the group through most of the horse activities and Barbara led most of the discussion.
Sunday the volunteers again met at Billie and Frank's and it was the day for demonstrating some of the exercises used in Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and (EAP), as well as some of the natural horsemanship techniques used. Robbie, Juanita, and Kathy interacted with the horses and volunteers and talked about the results produced by these exercises.
All in all, it was a successful weekend, and we are all looking forward to playing with our new volunteers in the programs that they choose.
--- submitted by Barbara Chastain



"Inspiring Fascination, Presence, Wholeness & Fun
From the Human / Horse Relationship"