Equine therapy deserves community support
In the Monday, Aug. 11, edition of the Butler Eagle, we learned about a fundraiser to support Elliott Acres Therapy Riding and about the organization’s mission.
Elliott Acres offers lessons in basic horsemanship to people with special needs and supports the emotional, physical and mental health of riders through therapeutic riding and caring for horses.
On Sunday, Elliott Acres hosted its annual horse show and fundraiser as a way to show the community the work the group does and to ensure the mission can continue. The free event featured both 50/50 and basket raffles to raise money.
And it’s an important mission, one that’s worthy of support.
The American Hippotherapy Association explains that hippotherapy, the technical term, which derives its name from the Greek for “horse,” can be used in a variety of ways.
“Simply put, hippotherapy refers to the use of equine movement (the movement of the horse) as a treatment tool within occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech-language pathology treatment,” according to association’s website.
Elliott Acres, which has its riding facility at 168 Headland Road in Summit Township, serves clients with a wide range of diagnoses, including people dealing with autism spectrum disorders and emotional, intellectual and physical disabilities.
For more information on the program, visit elliottacrestherapyriding.org. To volunteer, call 724-991-2477 or email dechorsesr1@gmail.com.
— JK
