Sometimes the first step to healing isn’t one we take ourselves.
The story of many of our rides often doesn't begin at HorseSense. Instead, it begins years, even decades, before trying—and oftentimes failing—to take the first step in their own shoes. This is because that first important step sometimes can’t be taken with a foot… Sometimes, that first step requires a hoof.
As a result of the unique bond each rider develops with one of our equine “therapists,” the first real step and breakthrough toward healing often begins when the horse takes that first step during lessons, bearing the rider on their back and supporting them—literally and figuratively. But several of our riders come from disadvantaged backgrounds. While there are many wonderful programs available to financially facilitate this first big step, more often than not, riders will inevitably fall through the cracks and not qualify for coverage.
At HorseSense, we do everything we can to ensure our lessons are accessible to all, regardless of the financial circumstances. HorseSense grants scholarships on a case-by-case basis for those who can’t afford this care on their own. But our Scholarship Program is only possible because of generous people like you: individuals in our community who support our neighbors in need.
We need your help to fund our Scholarship Program so that we can make therapeutic horseback riding lessons accessible to everyone in need— Will you help a neighbor in need take that first step toward healing?
“I enjoy everything about lessons. I have been riding Willie long enough to the point where he can sense when I am having an of day. Being able to go up to the barn is an escape for me; I forget everything negative going on outside of the barn when I am at HorseSense riding. Long story short: horseback riding is an amazing form of animal assisted therapy. I don't think I would be the person I am today without HorseSense.”
-Krystail, HorseSense Scholarship Program Rider