The Franklin News-Post
P. O. Box 250
310 Main Street, SW
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
540-483-5113
Fax: 540-483-8013
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| New equine arena provides shelter for riders, horses |
Staff Photo by Charles Boothe:
Bill Hickok watches as his daughter, 7-year-old Meghan, pets Diesel, one of 12 horses used in the equine therapy programs at Healing Strides of Virginia in Boones Mill. Dedication of the facilitys new arena was held Monday. |
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
By CHARLES BOOTHE - Staff Writer
As the temperature soared above 90 degrees on Monday, riders, parents, staff and guests at Healing Strides of Virginia in Boones Mill could find relief from the hot sun under a new roof.
A covered equine arena was recently completed, and officials were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, held in shade the large facility provides.
"This (the arena) is a godsend," said Lynda Gray, president of the board of directors of Healing Strides, a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic programs using horses. "Without this, we would be stifled this time of year."
Services at Healing Strides include therapeutic riding lessons, equine assisted psychotherapy and equine assisted learning, all for both children and adults.
The organization was started in 1991 and moved to its new location on Naff Road in 2002.
Michelle Holling-Brooks, Healing Strides program director, pointed to the large fans on the ceiling that provided a constant breeze to help cool the riders and horses.
"We have 12 horses in the program now and 48 riders," she said, adding that the facility, which is open seven days a week year-round, can accommodate up to 300 clients.
Those clients come not only from Franklin County, but from all over the region, as parents and caregivers seek a unique way of helping their loved ones overcome challenges.
Bill and Erin Hickok are from Buchanan and bring their 7-year-old daughter, Meghan, to the facility twice a week.
"We are really, really pleased," Bill Hickok said, explaining that Meghan needed therapy to help coordinate her upper and lower body movements, as well as alleviate other difficulties, such as not allowing anyone to touch her.
"We couldn't even brush her hair," Erin Hickok said. But after a year at the center, "we can now brush her hair."
She said Meghan's response to riding and taking care of a horse has made the difference.
"This (visiting the center) is what Meghan looks forward to every week," she said.
"More people need to know about the program," Bill Hickok said.
Lisa Adams of Roanoke has been taking her son, 18-year-old Clay, to Healing Strides for four years.
"It's helped Clay a lot," she said. "He didn't want to talk before he started coming here. Now, he is opening up."
When asked which is his favorite horse, Clay quickly replied, "Cindy."
Adams said Clay not only rides, he works in the barn taking care of the horses.
"This has really helped a lot,"ﾠshe said.
Gray said that is one of many examples of how equine therapy helps.
"We've had a tremendous response," she said. "Kids really enjoy it, and parents see the benefits."
Gray said most of the people who work at the facility are volunteers.
"We have only two paid staff," she said. "And we're always looking for volunteers."
The facility also needs donations, she said, adding that only about 40 percent of the operating budget comes from fees paid by clients' families or organizations that sponsor them.
"We have never turned a rider down (because they couldn't afford to pay)," she said. But since the number of clients has jumped from 17 to almost 50 in one year, the small scholarship fund that was available is almost depleted.
The new arena is part of a three-phase plan for the operation, Gray said, and work will eventually include enclosing the new arena and erecting another enclosed arena with an observation and office area.
Much of the work on the new arena was done at a discount, she said.
Haven Price with Price Building Inc. of Callaway was the builder and "he bent over backwards" to help, she said. "He was extremely generous. We barely covered his cost."
Other contractors included Shively Electric, Young Painting and William Scotsman Inc. SunTrust Bank provided financing.
Gray also praised Tom and Irene Brock for their financial help and leadership.
Brock is a former president and current advisor for Healing Strides, and when the organization was struggling in the early 1990s, "he stepped in and resurrected it," she said.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Rep. Virgil Goode (R-Rocky Mount) and Del. Charles Poindexter (R-Franklin County) both praised the facility and pledged their support.
"Having them behind us will be a big help," Gray said.
Healing Strides is located on Naff Road just north of Boones Mill. For more information, call 540-334-5825. |
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