Today I came across a story in CentralMaine.com that I think is an exciting opportunity for veterans or anyone with a disability or chronic health condition in the Farmington area who enjoys animals, especially horses. The article is entitled, Maine AgrAbility to sponsor therapeutic-horsemanship demonstration for veterans Oct. 24. Having benefited from horse-assisted therapy, myself, I am excited to pass along this posting and hope those who read it will share it.
The AgrAbility Project is a national organization sponsored by the USDA that, according to its website, seeks to
enhance quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities. While the term "disability" often brings to mind conditions such as spinal cord injuries and amputations, AgrAbility addresses not only these but also many other conditions, such as arthritis, back impairments, and behavioral health issues.The demonstration will take place at Thistle Ridge Equestrian Centre, 1289 Village Road, Smithfield from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24. The presenter for the demo is Charmaine Bouford, certified rehabilitation counselor for SpiritHorse Therapeutic Center and a registered therapeutic riding instructor.
The presentation is free to veterans. Non-veterans are asked to donate $20 in support of Thistle Ridge programs. For more information on the therapeutic horsemanship exhibition or to request a disability accommodation, contact Lani Carlson at UMaine Cooperative Extension at 207.944.1533 or 800.287.1471.
UMaine Cooperative Extension partners with Maine AgrAbility to work with farmers, farm workers and farm family members with a chronic health condition or disability.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comment will become visible after it is approved. Thank you for commenting!