From The Ground Up Therapeutic Riding Program

Horses for Heroes at From the Ground Up

Horses for Heroes is brand new program at From the Ground Up. Horses for Heroes is a program based on the concept of soldiers helping soldiers with the aid of horses and riding.

The camaraderie of fellow soldiers combined with the physical and mental stimulation of therapeutic horsemanship has proven beneficial for both the riders and the volunteers. Therapeutic horsemanship provides both physical benefits (improved balance, motor skills, coordination, & flexibility), as well as emotional and mental benefits (decreased mental stress, improved self-esteem & the creation of a social network).

From the Ground Up (FTGU) has formed a partnership with the VA Hospital of Syracuse, NY to offer Horses for Heroes programming starting Spring/Summer 2010. Funding may be available through the VA. Please read below for more information.

A message from the Director

Dear Friends:

 

Thank you so much for your interest and email re: our Horses for Heroes program at From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.  I have some new information that will interest you and I thank you all for your patience.

 

Programs currently offered at From the Ground Up (FTGU) include Groundwork (grooming, leading, basic training of the horse on the ground as well as safety around the horse; this is an unmounted (non-riding) program), Therapeutic Riding (horseback riding lesson program adapted to meet the needs of the client taught by NARHA Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor), and FIT (Functional Integrative Training; a functional training/rehab exercise program conducted by NSCA Certified Personal Trainer also adapted to meet the needs of the client; also unmounted).

 

Many of you have inquired as to how veterans qualify for this program.  The answer to this question is two-fold as the VA has their criteria and From the Ground Up (FTGU) has theirs.

 

The VA requires that veterans interested in participating in FTGU programs are currently receiving services from the VA or at one of the VA community-based clinics. 

 

From the Ground Up has a registration packet that needs to be completed by both the participant and the participant's Primary Care Physician and returned to FTGU before placement in the program can be made.  The PCP must give his/her permission for participation in the program(s).  Once the packet is reviewed by FTGU and if the appropriate equine(s), staff and time slot are available, sessions can be scheduled.

 

The VA will fund at least 5 sessions and more depending on the level of commitment of the participant.

 

Volunteer opportunities are also available; please write Bridget McMaster @ ftguvol@verizon.net 

  for more information.

 

Again, I would like to thank you for your interest in our program and urge you to contact us for a registration packet @ ftgutherapyhorse@aol.com or f_purkert@yahoo.com and for more information from the VA, please contact Suzanne.Hawes@va.gov.

 

As some of you may know, the horse is a strong motivator, a subtle yet effective teacher and a profound healer.  I look forward to the opportunity of introducing you to these amazing creatures "from the ground up".

 

Best regards,

 

Andrea Colella

Director

From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc.