HELPING HANDS AND HORSES INC

We are currently serving 100 Children/Adults riding horses in our program. The Ranch supports up to 300 people each week participating in an all-volunteer staffed program
Since 2008 we have offered a free Spring and Fall 10-week riding session to children with special needs and a Special Olympian Equestrians riding program. All our funding comes from grants or private donations. We rent for $1/year from a very generous landowner. Not including the aforementioned $1.00 the program usually costs $45,000 to maintain trails, arenas and horses. 50 acres support our 16 horses and welcomes Riders and Visitors every spring and fall free of charge. We began in 2008 and have maintained an active wait list of 100+ interested families. In order to move families off the wait list we have a 5 year riding allowance. Two indoor arenas and one covered outdoor arena support our program come rain or shine. We seek your help.
HHH sent 5 equestrian riders to the Special Olympics held in Washington, MO and each rider came home with gold, silver and bronze medals. Our Veterans have led parades as the color guard in Arnold and Festus. Both groups will participate in Christmas parades in three towns this 2022. We are always an active member in the community.
Our program consists of a basic 45-minute riding period infused with equine assisted activity and a created lesson plan with special themes each week. Horses work rider core strength muscles. Because of the range of disabilities there is a variety of “Horse Tac” required for each different rider. It is a unique ballet of changing reins, bridles, blankets, burp cloths, 5 different types of saddles, bolsters and required accommodations. Side-walkers, assisting riders and leaders change with each rider. (Each rider requires a horse Leader and at least two “Side-walkers” for support. Some of our riders require an assisting rider to hold them on the horse while four other volunteers attend to their safety in the 45-minute ride.)
The culmination of each 10-week session is a great planned “Rodeo” with lots of fun, mock competitions, and activities for the families, including music and a picnic, or a Fall Hayride County Fair theme. One of the events for the Rodeo is the awards ceremony in which we present each rider with a ribbon or a trophy. The Fall Session ends with a bonfire always topped with hot dogs and s'mores and a hayride throughout the 49 acres. All of this is provided free to our families and supported by our enthusiastic volunteers. We watch miracles happen every week and know we are changing lives. Any funding that you could provide would be greatly appreciated. If you're in town send an email for a visit! hhhorses@outlook.com Thank you for your time and interest!