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Support EquiStar's Riding Program

For 24 years, the EquiStar Therapeutic Riding Center has enriched the lives of those with special needs through equestrian-related activities, helping riders challenge their limits, break through barriers, and develop their independence, strength, self-esteem, balance, and socialization skills.

This Spring, EquiStar Inc. ran into financial hardships which forced them to cease operations. In June, we (Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County) took over management of EquiStar’s operation and restarted rider sessions while working to restore financial stability to Niagara County’s only therapeutic riding program.

As we stabilize EquiStar, we are exploring ways to expand our services to better meet the needs of our community. The therapeutic power of our horses can benefit people with various needs and have a profound impact on their life. Now more than ever before, we all know someone who is suffering from an obstacle such as an emotional disorder, developmental delay, sensory impairment, neurological disorder, or another life obstacle.

We need the community's support to grow this program and accommodate more riders.

We currently have 33 riders enrolled in our first session, but financial obstacles are preventing us from serving the 85 riders we’re capable of providing services to at full capacity. Three weeks after taking over the program we discovered that the horse arena roof is in dire condition and needs to be replaced immediately. The roof is estimated to cost upwards of $30,000, which will pull funding away from the work that needs to be done to grow the program and put riders back in the saddle.

How your donation will be used:
All donations go directly towards growing the program, ranch restorations, and horse care. If you do not have the resources to contribute please pass this along to those who may be able to help.  Please feel free to come visit our program and experience the difference you can make in the life of an individual with special needs.

Volunteer with EquiStar:
Everyone who volunteers at EquiStar is appreciated for their time, dedication, and kindness. Some individuals volunteer throughout the year, while others fill a need in one day. If you are interested in volunteering, learn more about the opportunities available: http://equistartheranch.org/volunteer/ 


Follow us:  https://www.facebook.com/equines.that.help/ 

Visit our website: http://equistartheranch.org/ 

 
Testimonials

“Our two children have received many benefits. Stacey, our daughter, was with the program for five years, and Shaun my stepson has been with the program for three years. Children with special problems need a program like this in Western New York. Thanks again.”

“They have helped my PTSD come under control and I started sleeping better than I ever have thanks to the team at EquiStar. My friends and family have seen a big change in me. These horses are the best therapy I ever had and I am so grateful I started working with the horses and the amazing folks at EquiStar.”

“I have had a very difficult life. As I’ve gotten older, it’s been more and more difficult to find meaning in life. I’m disabled and have yet to find a volunteer job that worked with all my challenges. This has been the first. EquiStar has expressed gratitude many times for my being there but honestly, it is I who has the gratitude. They’ve given me something I lost long ago – a passion for life, a reason to continue.”

 “It amazed me as a therapist to see this child who could not even sit up by himself, he was harnessed back in his wheelchair, be able to sit up unsupported after his third time on the horse…of course we were hanging on to him, but, he was doing the work himself….The horse didn’t even really move—the child just sat on it 1 time per week…it’s just amazing!”

Organizer

Marc Ducharme
Organizer
Lockport, NY
Cooperative Extension Association in the State of New York (Niagara County)
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.

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