HORSES FOR HEALING makes a difference
This session of Horses for Healing (H4H) for individuals living with cancer was a tad different than usual. Why? This spring the two participants were Mane Stream Volunteers. One is a current volunteer and the other retired a few years ago after many years as our Head Barn Volunteer.
Why were there only two participants? Shortly before the session started two participants had to pull out because they were not well enough to join the group. Mane Stream sends healing thoughts their way and hopes to see them at the farm in the future!
What else was different? Program Coordinator & riding instructor, Kelly Champion said, “It was comfortable from the start and it felt right to push the riders further than I might with someone new. I was so excited to get Jess to walk & trot with posting off lead in just 5 weeks and she’s never even ridden before! As for Joy, she hadn't ridden in 30 years but I was able to increase her confidence so much that she was able to walk and trot independently for 4 weeks and then canter on her last day. I’m so proud of them both!!”
H4H RIDER: Jessica KAISER
(4 years cancer free)
“Horses for Healing provided me a space to relax, breathe and face a new challenge. To be able to connect with Tux and gain confidence in riding each week was incredible. Kelly and the volunteers who guided me, cheered me on, and celebrated my accomplishments were amazing! I am grateful to have had this experience and blessed to be healthy to do this rewarding experience. Thank you Mane Stream!”
H4H RIDER: JOY KOCHANSKI
“I loved my time at Horses for Healing. Each session was filled with accomplishments I never knew I could have achieved with the thanks going to a terrific instructor, Kelly, and the help of the devoted volunteers. After each class, I felt uplifted, like I could do anything, and really happy. Thank you Mane Stream for providing this wonderful class!”
WHY DO THE VOLUNTEERS LOVE HELPING?
VOLUNTEER: Cynthia Barkman
“The name of the program exemplifies truth in advertising - Horses for Healing - and it’s a privilege to share this experience with every H4H participant. In our lives, we all need to find and embrace our communities and the H4H community can always count on the support of their instructor extraordinaire and volunteers who enthusiastically look forward to our time together each week. And seeing the participants relax and enjoy their time with their horse, well, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
VOLUNTEER: Laura Edelson
“I love volunteering for Horses for Healing because I love the program and I enjoy watching the participants’ confidence grow little by little each week as they start to relax and enjoy their time on and with the horses. It is fabulous to interact with the participants and see them blossom and for an hour a week enjoy themselves and not worry about cancer.”
