The Poseidon Project
Donation protected
We decided to name our campaign after the Greek God Poseidon, because he was credited with the formation of the horse.
Introduction
The Poseidon Project is an effort to raise the funds needed to purchase a farm to be used as a therapeutic horseback riding center. All of the funds raised through this GoFundMe page will be used to purchase a suitable farm. Any excess funds received will be used to improve the property and make it accessible to disabled individuals.
History
For the last 15 plus years I have been a volunteer at a therapeutic horseback riding center located in North Carolina. It has been my pleasure to witness the life changing effect that horses provide to humans. I have served as a horse leader, sidewalker, event coordinator, and financial consultant. Recently I decided to team up with some other passionate individuals to open a new facility in an area that doesn’t have a therapeutic horseback riding center.
Program
At therapeutic riding centers, professional staff and volunteers work closely with riders to ensure safe riding lessons. The program instructor uses riding skills and games to provide a therapeutic benefit to the rider. A new rider is generally assisted by two sidewalkers who walk alongside the horse, as well as a horse leader. Riding classes are taught by an instructor who has a strong equine background, as well as an understanding of various disabilities.
Benefits
Whether it’s a five-year-old with Down syndrome, a 45-year-old recovering from a spinal chord injury, a senior citizen recovering from a stroke, or a teenager with depression, research shows that individuals of all ages who participate in therapeutic horseback riding can experience physical and emotional rewards.
A physical, cognitive, or emotional special need does not limit a person from interacting with horses. In fact, such interactions can prove highly rewarding. Experiencing the three-dimensional, rhythmic motion of a horse can be very beneficial. Riding a horse moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human walk, so riders with physical needs often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength.
The horse is also a tremendous motivator. Horses and humans together often create a natural bonding relationship. Participants have been known to say their first words or have taken their first steps because of the powerful influence of the horse.
Our core belief is the horse has the ability to activate and accelerate the innate self-healing of humans in mind, body and spirit
Statistics
· 1 in 6 or about 15% of children aged 3 through 17 have one or more
developmental disabilities.
· Between 2014 and 2016 the prevalence of developmental disabilities among
kids ages 3 to 17 increased from 5.76 percent to 6.99 percent.
· The prevalence of autism increased 289.5 percent.
· 10 percent of Americans have a family member with an intellectual disability.
· Every year 125,000 children are born with an intellectual disability.
The Challenge
One of the most challenging things in developing a therapeutic horseback riding center is finding an appropriate location and obtaining the funds to purchase the property. A large tract of land that is easily accessible can be cost prohibitive. After purchase, the property must be transformed to accommodate people with special needs and disabilities. Farm equipment and horse supplies are very expensive.
Location
We are currently targeting a 30-acre horse farm in West Virginia. The property has a house, barn, and indoor riding arena. All of the facilities are in need of restoration as the property has not been used in approximately 10 years. We feel this location has great potential as it is located in close proximity to several cities and has good highway access.
· If for any reason we are unable to purchase this property we will look for another location.
Costs
Farm $385,000
Barn Restoration 20,000
Outdoor Riding Ring 10,000
Indoor Arena Restoration 75,000
Farm Equipment 40,000
Handicap Renovations 20,000
Total Project Cost $550,000
Please Help Horses Help Humans
If you can make a monetary contribution to this campaign, we will be forever grateful. If you are unable to make a contribution, please help by sharing this project with everyone you know, and encourage them to do the same. With your help, we can bring therapeutic horseback riding to people with special needs and disabilities. Thank you for your consideration.
Introduction
The Poseidon Project is an effort to raise the funds needed to purchase a farm to be used as a therapeutic horseback riding center. All of the funds raised through this GoFundMe page will be used to purchase a suitable farm. Any excess funds received will be used to improve the property and make it accessible to disabled individuals.
History
For the last 15 plus years I have been a volunteer at a therapeutic horseback riding center located in North Carolina. It has been my pleasure to witness the life changing effect that horses provide to humans. I have served as a horse leader, sidewalker, event coordinator, and financial consultant. Recently I decided to team up with some other passionate individuals to open a new facility in an area that doesn’t have a therapeutic horseback riding center.
Program
At therapeutic riding centers, professional staff and volunteers work closely with riders to ensure safe riding lessons. The program instructor uses riding skills and games to provide a therapeutic benefit to the rider. A new rider is generally assisted by two sidewalkers who walk alongside the horse, as well as a horse leader. Riding classes are taught by an instructor who has a strong equine background, as well as an understanding of various disabilities.
Benefits
Whether it’s a five-year-old with Down syndrome, a 45-year-old recovering from a spinal chord injury, a senior citizen recovering from a stroke, or a teenager with depression, research shows that individuals of all ages who participate in therapeutic horseback riding can experience physical and emotional rewards.
A physical, cognitive, or emotional special need does not limit a person from interacting with horses. In fact, such interactions can prove highly rewarding. Experiencing the three-dimensional, rhythmic motion of a horse can be very beneficial. Riding a horse moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human walk, so riders with physical needs often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength.
The horse is also a tremendous motivator. Horses and humans together often create a natural bonding relationship. Participants have been known to say their first words or have taken their first steps because of the powerful influence of the horse.
Our core belief is the horse has the ability to activate and accelerate the innate self-healing of humans in mind, body and spirit
Statistics
· 1 in 6 or about 15% of children aged 3 through 17 have one or more
developmental disabilities.
· Between 2014 and 2016 the prevalence of developmental disabilities among
kids ages 3 to 17 increased from 5.76 percent to 6.99 percent.
· The prevalence of autism increased 289.5 percent.
· 10 percent of Americans have a family member with an intellectual disability.
· Every year 125,000 children are born with an intellectual disability.
The Challenge
One of the most challenging things in developing a therapeutic horseback riding center is finding an appropriate location and obtaining the funds to purchase the property. A large tract of land that is easily accessible can be cost prohibitive. After purchase, the property must be transformed to accommodate people with special needs and disabilities. Farm equipment and horse supplies are very expensive.
Location
We are currently targeting a 30-acre horse farm in West Virginia. The property has a house, barn, and indoor riding arena. All of the facilities are in need of restoration as the property has not been used in approximately 10 years. We feel this location has great potential as it is located in close proximity to several cities and has good highway access.
· If for any reason we are unable to purchase this property we will look for another location.
Costs
Farm $385,000
Barn Restoration 20,000
Outdoor Riding Ring 10,000
Indoor Arena Restoration 75,000
Farm Equipment 40,000
Handicap Renovations 20,000
Total Project Cost $550,000
Please Help Horses Help Humans
If you can make a monetary contribution to this campaign, we will be forever grateful. If you are unable to make a contribution, please help by sharing this project with everyone you know, and encourage them to do the same. With your help, we can bring therapeutic horseback riding to people with special needs and disabilities. Thank you for your consideration.
Organizer
Rusty Groves
Organizer
Winfield, WV