From staff reports
NINEVAH – Heavenly Gaits Therapeutic Riding Center in Ninevah, Clarion County, is looking for veterans and military personnel for its Horses for Heroes program.
The classes will begin on Thursdays this month once the center has a group ready to start.
The program is open to all service members including those who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.
There is no charge for this service.
This is the center’s first year for the program.
“It has always been very near and dear to my heart and is one of the programs I ask other therapeutic facilities about when I visit them,” said Monique Nellis, executive director of Heavenly Gaits.
“I naturally want to do what I can to thank our veterans for all that they have given, and if it all possible, provide them with an opportunity to share something special with a loved one,” she said.
Nellis said she had found several variations to these veterans programs and that the most difficult part for the center was deciding where to start.
“I feel that we are ready to get started with basic horsemanship skills, get to know our veterans and their needs, teach a few skills, grow confidence and help them share that in a special way,” she said.
She said the center has local auxiliaries ready to help provide the safety net that makes therapeutic riding successful and offer a gentle hand of confidence where needed.
“It is really hard to tell where it will go from here, I am guessing we will need larger weight baring horses and that next year we can integrate our driving program into this but, for now, we are excited just to get our service men and women in the door,” Nellis said.
The eight-week unit will begin on the ground with foundation horsemanship instruction before taking to the saddle.
In the last few weeks of the program, a family member may to join their veteran for riding instruction.
Equine assisted activities and therapy has physical, social, cognitive and emotional benefits.
Meanwhile, Heavenly Gaits was selected by the board of the Clarion Conservation District to receive the Conservation Farmers of the Year Award.
“This was a huge honor for us,” Nellis said.
“Before the horses, before the riders, before the love, we were above all else, a farm,” she said.
“It was very difficult in the beginning. … We would not be where we are today without the help of the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Conservation District,” she said.
“I cannot say enough about the help and support they have provided us with. It might not sound like much, but their efforts have greatly affected our organization,” Nellis said.
The center is located at 2059 Ninevah Road, Knox.
For more information or to register for the Horses for Heroes program, people may call the center at (814) 221-1690.