BROOK HILL RETIREMENT CENTER FOR HORSES INC

Horse Rescue and Rehabilitation
One of only 22 fully accredited horse rescues by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, and accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for the care of our thoroughbreds, horses that are no longer useful and/or injured that have been relinquished are evaluated by our staff of knowledgeable professionals. The horses are put into a rehabilitation program carried out by college interns and volunteers. Once healed, the horse is available for placement in a life-time free lease agreement with a carefully screened applicant or used in our United Neigh program. 25 to 35 horses are kept on the property at any one time; the total number of horses served in any year fluctuates based on recovery time and placement. To date we have helped over 570 horses!

Program Descriptions:
• United Neigh: At-risk youth participate in a 2-hour session, 50 weeks a year receiving mental health services in an educational format, planned and guided, with the clients able to address and alter their mental health comorbidities such as substance abuse, trauma, and obesity in a new and challenging environment with horses.
• Schooling with Horses: Daily, recognized by the state of Virginia, was created for youth with mental health disabilities who cannot participate in a regular school environment. In partnership with area schools, academics and the mental health of the at-risk youth are addressed, focusing on issues such as resilience, difficulties with self-regulation and executive function, such as inattention, impulsivity, defiance, and poor peer relationships. This program has a 100% graduation rate of 143 participants.
• Equine Education Connection Day Support: Addresses the mental health and academic needs and risk factors of truant youths offering equine therapy and full-time on-line school with credentialed professionals in a small group environment.
• Gaits for Change: In partnership with social services, youth in foster care families are identified and placed into the program to gain self-confidence, identify personal strengths, cope with the transitions in multiple homes, and apply these skills to their lives. This program is supplemented by funds through FAPT.
• Rockin’ Riders: Weekly, offering equine therapy for participants with more severe physical and emotional disabilities, teaching life skills in order to function independently.
• College Interns: Educational opportunities in collaboration with regional schools are provided for college students to participate in internships earning them credit in the following fields: Animal Sciences, Animal Psychology, Biology, Education, Special Education, Business, Communications, and Pre-Veterinary Studies
• Seniors Helping Seniors: Seniors partner with horses, allowing them to socialize, improve confidence, and meet the physical tests of growing older, as well as share their horse experiences with the rest of us!
• Hero’s and Horses: Veterans master nonverbal communication in order to rebuild their ability to connect with themselves and others, learn self-acceptance, and exhibit more empathy with family and friends. The program encourages physical and cognitive rehabilitation, providing Veterans with a safe environment to regain their independence, confidence and strength.