In 2014, DreamPower Horsemanship provided equine-assisted activities and therapies to more than 450 children, teens and adults with special needs. Sixteen kind and patient equine partners work in the DreamPower program. This project will support our horses, making it possible for them to keep up their good work.
As of May 12, 2014, 1,086 children ages 0 to 17 were living in out-of-home placement, according the Santa Clara County Social Service Agency. There are approximately 85,000 veterans living in Santa Clara County, according to the county's Office of Public Affairs. In 2014, DreamPower Horsemanship provided equine-assisted activities and therapies to more than 450 children, teens and adults with special needs. The youngest client served was 3 years old and the oldest was 83 years young.
DreamPower helps children and adults--including veterans and active-duty military personnel--with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges find strength and independence through the power of the horse each year. Working with horses provides a wonderful opportunity to engage in therapeutic activities outside of a traditional therapeutic environment.
This project keeps our horses healthy to continue to provide therapy assistance. Our clients form lasting bonds with their equine partners. Reaching for a ball while seated on a calm horse can help make physical activity fun for a disabled child. Learning to halter a horse in an open pasture can make an urban teen who has issues listening to authority figures pay attention. Sometimes experiencing just a piece of a dream is enough to make a difference in a person's life
