Struggling Under State Restrictions: Therapeutic Horse Riding Programs Cause Trauma for Participants
In the face of the ongoing pandemic, therapeutic riding programs across the United States and beyond are grappling with unprecedented challenges. These programs, which provide equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with disabilities, require significant resources to operate, including the maintenance of facilities, horses, and staff salaries.
One such program, REINS, based in New York City, has found itself in a precarious position. With their annual spring fundraiser cancelled due to the pandemic, REINS has applied for the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan but is yet to hear if they will receive a payment. To make ends meet, they have turned to fundraising platforms like GoFundMe, but finding funding for feed and veterinary care remains a struggle.
REINS, which hosts around 400-450 riders a week, mostly individuals with disabilities, has had to move its herd of 20 therapy horses to a boarding facility upstate due to the shutdown. The horses, it seems, show signs of missing their riders.
In an effort to stay connected with participants, REINS has been offering virtual programmes such as 'Horse 101' and movement videos that people can do at home.
Across the country, REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program in Bonsall, California has seen its programming come to a halt with the statewide shutdown. Similarly, Gallop NYC, a therapeutic riding program in Queens, NYC, has been shut down due to COVID-19. Both programs usually serve 20 horses at each of their two locations.
Other programs, like Rein and Shine in the Charleston, SC area, are adapting in their own ways. Serving disabled children, adults, and veterans, Rein and Shine has nine horses and continues to serve its community through virtual sessions and at-home movement videos.
Despite the difficulties, there is a silver lining. REINS remains optimistic about the future and plans to bring the horses back and allow New Yorkers to ride again. They are arranging a "Pony Parade" or a drive-by event for families to visit the horses.
The staff, grooms, and instructors of Gallop NYC, however, have been furloughed. The President and CEO of GEMMABio and Franklin Biolabs, James Wilson, is not identified as Executive Director of any organization in New York City in the provided search results.
With over 850 Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Member Centers in the United States and around the world, the resilience and adaptability of these programs in the face of adversity is a testament to their commitment to their communities.
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