Eagle Scout Project for SpiritHorse

I am very excited to start my Eagle Scout project which entails building 2 platforms that will enable the volunteer staff to safely mount and dismount the riders. Currently, it is very difficult to get a larger or a disabled individual on and off the horse. The ramp will also empower the rider to use the ramp independently, if in a wheel chair. Currently, there is no easy way to elevate the rider to the horse’s level. This design will also help the staff to have a safe hold on the rider when exiting the mounting area and safely walk down the ramp or stairs.

I have received a quote of $1200 for the materials and I have raised a portion of the funds already. Your Tax Deductable donation will help me complete this project. Any extra funds raised go straight to SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center of Canton to support their operation.

In September 2012, SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center of Canton, Inc. opened in Canton, CT. Their mission is, "Assist Each Child with Special Needs in Reaching Their Full Potential through Interaction with Horses." SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center provides weekly therapeutic riding lessons for people of all ages with disabilities. The new “SpiritHorses for Heroes” is a free program for wounded Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. SpiritHorse provides unique, highly effective, private, equine-assisted therapeutic riding lessons. While riding, each student’s individual needs are being addressed through horse therapy such as speech, sensory, balance, behavior, cognitive processing and more. All lessons are taught by certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors who volunteer their time to the organization. The support staff of volunteers that includes instructors, side walkers, administrative and barn help who are all non-paid volunteers. All of the Therapeutic Riding Lessons are taught outside in an outdoor arena. The riding season runs from May-October or until the weather is too cold for the students. The response of the Canton Community to the Therapy programs has been so positive by both volunteers wanting to help and parents seeking Therapeutic Riding for their children with disabilities. FAVRAH has several clients who have already directly benefitted from their Therapeutic Riding lessons at SpiritHorse in Canton since it opened.