Since June of 2009, Borrowed Freedom has changed the live of hundreds of children and adults with special needs by giving them access to low cost or free Adaptive (Therapeutic) Riding, Hippotherapy, Equine Facilitated Learning and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy. We help people find their inner power and peace, build self-esteem, and battle depression, improve functioning for those with physical and developmental special needs, and treat the effects of PTSD. All with the help of a horse.
As our program has grown, we have also outgrown two of our most vital needs, our mounting block, and our arena size. Our mounting block was designed for therapists mounting small children during Hippotherapy and those who can mount horses with little or no assistance. We now need a 48" block with an attached ramp to serve the needs of adults and children with physical special needs. Our arena desperately needs expansion to 120 x 80 to safely accommodate group riding and EFL sessions.
If the funds are raised through this microproject, we will be able to expand our arena to 120 x 80 feet, re-fence and resurface with sand to match the existing arena. We will be able to serve 3-4 clients in group lessons, and work with up to 20 for EFL. The new ramp will allow us to serve children and adults with special needs, and Veterans and the women who come for Equine Facilitated Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. Without the ability to safely mount and dismount, our ability to serve is limited
.Our services are vital to our community. Without access to free or low cost equine assisted therapies many will never experience the life changing benefits they bring. In our farm setting, the horses and the lifestyle that goes along with them, provide us opportunities to learn critical life and communication skills, improve non-verbal communication, focus, attention and self-esteem. We will be able to double our session capacity each year if our goal is met.