SpiritHorse Announces Expansion
LIBERTY - Unless you are a parent, family member or caregiver of someone with special needs, you may not be familiar with SpiritHorse Liberty and all the wonderful things the organization does. For nearly 15 years, SpiritHorse Liberty has provided therapeutic riding lessons that are research-based, private, equine-assisted, and highly effective for those with special needs like cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome or even the physically handicapped. SpiritHorse offers these services FREE OF CHARGE for special needs children/adults including veterans, foster children, and more. Riders without special needs may ride for only a $30 donation.
We have seen children talk, sit and walk for the first time. Better core and muscle strength, focus, balance, self-respect, discipline, social ability, and cognitive processing have come from this program that benefits its students physically, psychologically and socially. While riding, the student’s individual needs such as speech, sensory, balance, behavior and cognitive processing are also being addressed through horse therapy by our certified instructors and volunteers.
We’re excited to announce our expansion.. We’re building a new arena in the upper west area of Dayton and we now support a new subordinate facility in Jasper led by Michea Ford. Executive Director Donna Wiebelhaus has given her time, resources and heart for many years, helping special needs children with focus in Liberty and surrounding areas. She’s absolutely thrilled to increase capacity and have shorter travel for riders in Mont Belvieu, Crosby, Humble and East Harris County, all whom are near the new site in Dayton. Olivia Duffey leads operations for the new Dayton arena called Healing Hooves. “I’m so excited to provide equine assistance to the kiddos – I know the benefits they derive, so this is truly a dream come true. I have tremendous gratitude to Donna for making it happen,” said Mrs. Duffey.
So, how does SpiritHorse make all this possible? We write proposals to companies for donations and get support from the community and fundraisers. And now, we’re in need of instructors to help prepare riders and guide them through lessons. No experience is necessary and we train all our instructors in depth. Your donations and volunteering for this great cause are what make it possible for special needs individuals to have this therapy for FREE. Being a 501c3 nonprofi t facility, we provide a tax write off on all donations. Our partnering with your organization may also be possible for mutual benefit. To discuss volunteering, donations or partnership with SpiritHorse, contact Board President Craig Girard at 661-542-1441 or cgirard0719@gmail.com.
Contact SpiritHorse Executive Director Donna Wiebelhaus anytime at (936) 641-0165 or spirithorseliberty@ yahoo.com, or see the