Helping Kids Achieve the Unexpected

Aleesha Murphy with Victoria of Victory Time Farm, Therapeutic Riding Centre.

My name is Lori Murphy and I am writing on behalf of Victory Time Farm Therapeutic Riding Centre in Merrickville, Ontario.  I am writing to help support the farm with support for their horses so they may continue to provide support for children with physical and developmental disabilties. This establishment is the cornerstone to alllowing children, like my autistic daughter, an opportunity to navigate their social world and enter the surroundings where barrier are non-existent.  This is only possible through grants and local fundraising. The centre provides  equine therapy, alongside with teaching these kids horsemanship, social networking, and a sense of independence.

The centre needs support during the winter months when the children are not riding to feed and care for the horses. This is what this campaign is about...continued care for the horses, so the therapy may continue for the children in the spring.  Every little bit will help with covering the cost of feed and veterinarian care. 

Why Equine therapy? Equine therapy is a form of therapy that makes use of horses to help promote emotional and cognitive growth. This particularly applies to persons with physical and developmental disabilities. Horses are the most popularly used animal for therapy because they have the ability to respond immediately by goving feedback to the rider's actions or behaviours; horses are also albe to mirror a child's emotions. The basis if th therapy is that because horses benave similarly like human beings do in their social  and responsive behaviour to establish a connection with the horse.

Our family has been so grateful to the centre for what they have done for our daughter. I have never seen her so responsive to any therapy so immediately. One of my most memorable moents was seeing her connect through touch the moment she stepped next to the pony and as she sat upon the horse her first words were spoken. With each session, she became more verbal, something we didn't think would happen since she hadn't verbalized since her diagnosis at the age of 31/2.

Temple Grandin once wrote, " I wish more kids could ride horses today. People and animals are supposed to be together. We spent quiet a long time evolving together, and we usede to be partners." This partnership can continue with your donation to help Vicotry Time Farm continue with its success and prepare for a new season. Please give today! 

Victory TIme Farm Therapeutic Riding Centre is a nonprofit organization and depends on the donations and funds received. Please help us to help the horses and inturn you will help these children continue to develop a greater sense of independence.

If you have questions or would like to inquire about the program contact:
Victoria and Paul Bastien at [email redacted]

Thank you on behalf of all the friends and family of Victory Time Farm Therapeutic Riding Centre.