StableStrides

Hi, I’m David Ellis, and I’m reaching out to share the incredible work being done by StableStrides. The non-profit organization I volunteer at is dedicated to improving the wellbeing of individuals through meaningful connections, helping those in need find healing and StableStrides in the following ways:

This non-profit is a pretty good way for Disabled Children, Veterans, Addicts, and even rescue horses find some peace with whatever problem they are having! This should be a no brainer since they are helping the community as much as they do. As the government has cut so much funding including Medicaid. I’m just trying to keep the lights on till we can start trying to work with the State! Anything helps!! Thank you!

Hi! My name is Mary, and I am raising funds for StableStrides (www.stablestrides.org), a non-profit organization that has served our community for over 40 years through equine (horse) therapy. I’ve recently learned they are struggling financially and are asking for our help! Like many organizations, this is the result of the difficulties and lasting impact the pandemic had on all of us, and the economic challenges everyone is facing today with inflation and climbing interest rates. As you can imagine, these factors have caused their vendors and partners to raise prices significantly, which in turn has hurt StableStrides tremendously. They have taken every step possible to ensure that the current and future operations will meet the goals and objectives of the organization, but they are at a critical junction and must focus on the immediate needs of keeping their doors open. Everything from the cost of hay, supplemental feed, fuel, equipment, maintenance, as well as staff-associated costs, have all continuously increased while funding sources have decreased. We urgently need your help to continue providing these life-changing, essential services for HUNDREDS of individuals in need. This is so important to us because it also affects our son, Collin.

Collin’s Journey at StableStrides

By the age of just 7 years old, Collin was completely overwhelmed by the daily challenges of autism, in addition to multiple comorbid disorders that had not yet been diagnosed at the time. He struggled to function at home, at school, and in every environment he was placed in. It was heartbreaking. After trying various traditional therapies, it seemed impossible to find the right one. We needed something that could help him learn to function positively in a world so confused by his behavior and unaccepting of his differences. Equine therapy was something we hadn’t considered because we honestly couldn’t fathom how a horse could help our boy, so we halfheartedly gave it a shot and WOW! It was unquestionably the game-changer we had so desperately hoped and prayed for!

How does it work? Equine therapy programs at StableStrides are carefully designed and implemented by a team of licensed therapists and equine specialists who use interactions and activities with gentle and well-trained horses to help individuals overcome physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. Horses have a uniquely calming effect on the nervous system, which can help individuals feel more relaxed and better able to focus on learning and social interaction. Observations of each client’s interactions with the horse are used to guide the therapy process.

Equine therapy has been shown to not only be particularly effective for autistic individuals, but also for those with anxiety, depression, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Clients can have significant improvements in their communication and social skills, physical strength and coordination, and reductions in stress and anxiety – all of which we have seen first-hand in Collin over the years.

Your donation will go directly towards the care of the horses, equipment, and the financial sustainment of staff and training volunteers providing these services every day. It will also ensure that StableStrides can continue to provide clients with high-quality, affordable equine therapy services from passionate, certified instructors and licensed therapists. Your support truly can make a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals in our community who are struggling. Individuals like my son Collin, who depends on these services. It has been 7 years now, and we are so grateful for the life-changing impact this therapy has had on his journey toward greater independence and happiness! StableStrides is vital to his well-being.

We hope you will consider donating. Every dollar really does count and will make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you so much for your support!

Mary

StableStrides provides horse-centered activities for individuals who have adaptive needs and results in positive physical, behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social development since 1981!

We serve children, teens, adults, veterans, and service members with adaptive needs through Adaptive Riding, Mental Health Services, and Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy.

Clients come to StableStrides independently and through referrals from other local agencies in the Pikes Peak community, as well as several surrounding areas.

Your choice to support StableStrides directly impacts the clients we are able to serve and the horses who heal.