In the beginning….
In 1996 two women, Margaret Dickens and Patti Pace had
a vision of a non-profit equitherapy program to provide therapeutic horseback
riding instruction to children and adults with various physical, cognitive
and emotional disabilities. With that vision they founded Wings of Hope
Equitherapy in Egan, Texas, which is just south of Fort Worth.
The mission of Wings of Hope was to develop a program that would promote
the development of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well
being of each rider in the program and help students create a pattern
of positive life experiences that enable them to progressively build trust.
The first three years were funded by the generosity of
several individuals who believed in the dream of the two women who were
busy trying to raise funds to buy the land and build an arena. They found
an ideal property and the owner discounted the selling price enough for
them to purchase the land. They started building upon their dream and
making their vision a reality.
In keeping with the name of the program, Margaret and Patti
hoped for patrons to share in their dream and participate in giving special
needs children and adults their own ‘wings of hope!’ Things
started to fall in to place. Generous individuals and companies wanted
to participate.
Enough funds were donated to build a covered arena in memory
of the late Nancy Knox, a longtime Quarter Horse and Cutting Horse enthusiast.
Amon G. Carter Foundation and Lockheed Martin came on board to build the
stalls, tack room and office complex. Goodspeed Sand Co. donated leveling
the land, HB Zachary Construction contributed the concrete and Morrison
Supply Company provided the plumbing work and fixtures. Three construction
companies from Johnson County sent seven trucks of Asphalt to build the
parking area and United Cooperative Services donated the outdoor lighting.
Margaret
and Patti’s vision was now a wonderful reality nestled in 25 wooded
acres complete with riding trails. The facility now includes a ten-stall
barn, classroom, office and two wheelchair accessible restrooms. “It
is a healing haven for our riders and their families” said Dickens.
When the center opened in July of 1996 they had one rider
and by word of mouth, they now have 97 riders participating in weekly
sessions of their program. In addition to the physical therapeutic benefit,
riders are linked up with a caring support system of staff members, volunteers,
and other families. 150 trained volunteers attest to the community support
available to make this program successful.
The staff at Wings of Hope works closely with the families to coordinate
the clients treatment effectively. Prior to admission to the program,
riders are assessed to determine their needs and a plan of treatment is
formulated. At regular intervals, riders are re-evaluated to assess progress
and further coordinate treatment.
Located at 4200 CR 806 in Egan, just south of Burleson,
Wings of Hope is a premier accredited center of the NorthAmerican Riding
for the Handicapped Association and serves clients from Johnson, Hill,
Tarrant and Dallas counties. All Wings of Hope instructors are NARHA certified
and have extensive experience with both horses and disabled riders.
BENEFITS OF EQUESTRIAN THERAPY
The benefits of therapeutic horseback riding are many for
children and adults with neurological deprivation and disfunction. Because
they are unable to experience neuromuscular stimulation, spatial orientation,
and proper body placement as do able-bodied indivduals, they are unable
to develop normal patterns of movement, balance, and coordination. Thus,
they are unable to function properly in everyday activities. Research
has shown that assisted body placement, patterning, and repetition of
external stimulation producesenhancment of overall functional activity
including balance, coordination, spatial orientation, and improved intelligenge
known as cognitive functioning. Horseback riding provides the external
stimulus of altered extremity and body placement along with rhytmical
gaited motion that improves cardiovascular and respiratory function as
well as increased circulation, improved bowel function and joint mobility.
Probably the most important benefit is that of a positive
psychological uplift. By experiencing the world from a different vantage
point and by receiving new movement patterns and stimulating activities,
the riders develop a more positive attitude as they cross the barrier
from failure to success.
Wayne R. English, DO, FAOCPMR
Letter
of Support
My daughter, Miranda (11 years), and son, Weston (8 years), have been
riding at Wings of Hope for about six years. Not just my children, but
my whole family benefits from Wings of Hope. Miranda and Weston are greeted
each week with warm smiles and loving hugs from the staff and volunteers.
Miranda is so excited upon arrival that she must ride sidesaddle for a
few minutes before she is relaxed enough to straddle the horse. When we
first began riding, both kids were just kind of “clumps” on
top of their horses. Miranda is now able to sit up tall much of the time,
bearing weight on her arms extended out towards the front of the saddle.
Weston rides his horse positioned on his stomach over a bolster. He has
really gotten stronger and can push his shoulders and head up to watch
where he is going. He often lets out a squeal of joy as they parade around
the arena. We take pictures of the kids riding and send them to school
for show and tell. This is about the only activity that they get to do
that other kids are jealous of.
One of the neatest things about Wings of Hope is the singing
and prayer time before we ride. Our family is nourished by the caring
spirit of the group as they express their concerns and desires for the
progress and well-being of our children. It is energizing for me as a
parent to be among these wonderful people. It is also quite humbling to
know that seven people are giving of their time and energy so that my
two kids can benefit from this riding experience each week. I thank God
each week for Wings of Hope and pray that the resources will be provided
to allow organizations like these to continue to serve families like mine.
Ken Lawrence
Member of Board of Directors and father of two riders
The Wings of Hope 5th Annual Western Gala will be held
on Saturday, April 23, 2005 at 6:30pm. This benefit will raise funds for
this nine-year-old non-profit, volunteer based organization. The gala
will be held at the Wings of Hope facility located near Burleson. Patrons
will enjoy dinner and country music. There will also be one of Texas largest
silent auctions, which will include artwork, a helicopter ride, bed &
breakfast weekends and much more. A demonstration by Wings of Hope riders
will bring first hand understanding of the work this organization is doing
to help special children and adults. Now, more than ever, horses and healing
are interconnected. The horse, a magnificent animal, combined with a magnificent
child, is a divine recipe at Wings of Hope. Wings of Hope provides therapeutic
horseback riding to children and adults with various physical, cognitive
and emotional disabilities. It is a unique program where relationships
are built and nurtured in a setting of Christian love and support. Therapists
have discovered that using the horse to facilitate and enhance the rider's
movement helps the rider to achieve a more normal walking pattern. Therapeutic
riding also increases respiration and circulation. Being outdoors and
riding a horse is an enjoyable activity that keeps the riders interested
and motivated for continued participation in the program.
Holding the event at Wings of Hope allows the patrons a
chance to tour the center and see how therapeutic riding makes a difference
in the lives of these special families. It has always been the policy
of Wings of Hope to accommodate all in need of services regardless of
their ability to pay. The cost of riding for one child with disabilities
is $2400.00 per year or $200 per month. Because riders fees cover only
1/5th of the annual buget, the very existance of Wings of Hope depends
upon the success of this benefit.
Sponsor tables are available ranging from $500 to $10,000
and individual tickets are $50. For more information on sponsorship opportunities,
donating items for the silent auction or reservations for the April 23
Western Gala, please call 817-790-8810 or email: Wings of Hope at wingsofhope@prodigy.net.
ADPOT A HORSE OR RIDER
Adpot a Wings of Hope Rider or Horse. You can help a rider receive or
continue therapy by donating $2,400 a year or $200 a month. Without the
generosity of the Wings of Hope patrons, many children would not have
the opportunity to participate.
The role of the horse is unique and special in Equine therapy.
The four-beat rhythm of the horse's gait simulates the natural walk of
a human and assists in exercising muscles and joints in physically and
mentally challenged riders. Therefore, the horse is seen as a co-therapist
in the rehabilitation of the rider and the condition of each horse is
vital to the success of the program. You can adopt a horse for one year
at $1,500 or $125 a month. This helps defray the costs of feed, shoeing,
vaccinations and veterinary care.
Contact information:
Kathe Reis, Event Chairman (817) 658-9803
Margaret Dickens, Executive Director (817) 790-7777
NAHRA (800) 369- RIDE
Website: www.wingsofhope.us
PRESS
RELEASE - Wings of Hope Equitherapy - 5th Annual Western Gala - Saturday,
April 23, 2005
