The Beyond Wishes Therapeutic Riding Program has now started receiving students that come once a week to participate in Equine Activities. The program offers Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) to individuals with disabilities and special needs and to anyone who wants to learn as much as they can about horses. Beyond Wishes has two instructors certified by PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International). They are held to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards as a member center. PATH Intl. has 850 centers all over the world helping thousands of individuals develop life skills with the help of the horse. EAAT has been proven to benefit individuals physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially. Some of the benefits are: Improved eye-hand coordination by increasing muscle strength, flexibility, balance and coordination; improve confidence and self-esteem by instilling an overall sense of well-being, accomplishment and responsibility; increase positive emotional behavior, social interaction and life skills; increase communication, memory, speech and learning skills; increase attention, concentration and visual skills; provide an enjoyable and safe recreational activity. Working towards these goals can carry over into improved function of all activities of daily living.
Beyond Wishes is in their 11th year. It seems like just yesterday the program started in beautiful Summers County. Over the years there has been thousands of people impacted and thousands of volunteer hours by incredibly special people. There have been parties, camps, visits from miniature horses, open houses, demonstrations, field trips and of course the many wonderful students that have or still are participating once a week. There have been competitions, ribbons, happy tears and sometimes sad tears.
COVID-19 has changed life in the last year and a half, but everyone should feel confident things are getting back to the new normal. It feels good that spring is here, and we are back outside, working with the most beautiful and kind animal on earth. Without the community support, volunteers, donations and grants, this program would not be possible. Anyone interested in participating or volunteering in the Beyond Wishes program can email: beyondwishestrp@hughes.net, website: beyondwishes.org. or call 304 466-0431.
