Loudoun Therapeutic Riding

Goal: $10,000.00

Specific Need

Built around our core values of love, trust and respect, Loudoun Therapeutic Riding fosters a community that promotes learning, inclusion, and independence in a culture of compassion, acceptance, and encouragement. LTR Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors are professionals who are trained in teaching methods that use equine-assisted services to aid people with diverse needs acquire horsemanship skills, build physical strength and benefit emotionally from their experiences in a safe, supportive environment.

Whichever program a participant chooses, we see time and again the same outcomes: improved confidence, strength, and well-being. Therapeutic (adaptive) riding and equine-assisted services provide a safe, healthy activity for people with disabilities, for at-risk youth, and for military veterans.

The horses and ponies are our partners in this effort. A therapy horse is patient, understanding, and truly enjoys interacting with people. These special creatures require full-time care at a facility that is designed specifically for them, and this farm provides that safe space, both for horses and humans. The need for equine-assisted services in Loudoun County and surrounding areas has never been greater, and Loudoun Therapeutic Riding is prepared to meet those needs - but these services would not exist without our partner, the horse.

What impact will your gift have?

$5,000 sponsors the care of a therapy horse for six months
$1,000 pays the average monthly costs of feed, pasture, stabling, training, and veterinary care for a therapy horse
$700 covers class fees for one rider for one semester
$250 provides two hours of companionship and memory recall for seniors in the Silver Spurs program
$100 covers shoeing for one therapy horse for five weeks
$80 pays for one-hour of equine assisted services for a military veteran experiencing PTSD so we can continue to serve veterans without charging
$50 covers feed for one therapy horse for one month

Mission

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding embraces the power of horse-assisted services to promote well-being and community inclusion for people with physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges.

Profile

Testimonials:

"The biggest benefit I have seen, both during the sessions and beyond, is Ben's command on life. He has more self-assurance and a bigger voice for himself. There's something about working with the horse -- a being significantly bigger than he -- that helps him feel capable of tackling other difficult areas of life. It's simply amazing. A therapy session free from nagging and disappointment, yet rich with mental and physical strengthening and accomplishments. There is no price you can put on that.” - LTR Parent

"When we came to LTR my son had recently lost his dad and had been hospitalized for his mental health....With the help of therapeutic riding, he's learned more self confidence, the commitment of showing up, horsemanship, riding skills and an openness to new experiences. He also learned how to clearly and respectfully express himself if he's feeling uncomfortable. LTR has been a wonderful experience for us and my son can't wait until he's old enough to volunteer." - LTR Parent

“In the past 3 years I have completely come out of the 'shell' I had been locked in since 2014. THANK you. Without LTR, I still would have no friends, no meaningful social relationships, and NO ability to find a way through.” - LTR Veteran