7 Star Therapeutic Riding Center is starting a therapy program for veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan
AMARILLO, TEXAS -- The 7 Star Therapeutic Riding Center is a local equine therapy center offering services to disabled children and adults suffering from various emotional, mental, and physical injuries or disabilities. They are expanding the range of their services to include veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan.
The therapy helps improve communication skills, coordination, range of motion, balance, and flexibility all while building a bond between patient and horse.
For volunteers like Kit Rudd, a decorated rider with years of experience with horses; the idea made sense.
"I've been riding all my life and I know what a horse can do for your spirit and I feel like this is going to be a good thing for these veterans coming back from the war," said Rudd.
The therapy is designed to help soldiers who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, amputations, or really any kind of emotional or physical injuries incurred during the war.
"Having a support team for these people to be with and provide emotional support as well as the therapeutic aspect will be very healing," said Faith Elliott, Executive Director, 7 Star Therapeutic Riding Center.
Volunteers are needed to help get the veteran program started. Anyone interested in horses and a community service project involving veterans should contact 7 Star for service opportunities.
7 Star is hosting a benefit ride out at Boys Ranch on March 27th; B.Y.O.H. (bring your own horse), but if you don't have a horse; a limited number of horses will be available. They also need a new wooden ramp for their facility to help serve the disabled; they are looking for donations and volunteers to help with this project as well.
Contact 7 Star at (806)355-4773 (Faith) or visit their website by clicking the link provided below.
