Therapeutic Riding program moves to Smithbridge Stables to grow their program

WAKEFIELD, R.I. – Dec. 1, 2015: Horses Bring Hope, recently completed their move to Smithbridge Stables. Their new home has 3 outdoor rings and trails and there are plans to build an indoor ring which will allow for lessons throughout the winter and inclement weather. The space is wonderful for both the clients and the horses.

“This barn can accommodate our growing program,” said Dina Godinez, Executive Director of HBH. “We’re really liking it here, and the horses are very happy in their lush turnout.”

HBH is a Rhode Island non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers and is looking to attain federal non-profit status. The program offers both traditional and therapeutic horse riding to people of all ages with a team of thirteen horses.

Godinez says that horseback riding is beneficial physically (balance, exercise and muscular strength, especially core muscles), cognitively (problem solving, forethought, coordination) and emotionally (horses are intelligent, loving, and affectionate). Whether someone is a child or adult, able or disabled, there are options and programs that can be specifically tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.

“Students learn to empathize and develop a relationship with the horse,” said Godinez. “Goals can be set to reach any level-- even to participate in shows and, perhaps most importantly, it’s fun!”

Caitlyn Sharp, now 11, was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma at age 5, an aggressive soft tissue cancer. She had numerous surgeries, underwent chemotherapy and radiation, and dealt with the repercussion of removing tumors and some core muscles in her lower back in order to be healthy once more. As a result, she was sorely lacking in her balance.

“The doctors were very concerned about the potential of her back collapsing and restricted some of her activities,” said Brian Sharp, Caitlyn’s father. “Therapeutic horseback riding gave her an opportunity to exercise her remaining core muscles and develop her balance again while doing something she loves.”

Like Mr. Sharp, many have shared their gratitude towards the program. Moira Murphy, a mother in a similar position, had been searching for new/alternative therapies that were fun for children and came across therapeutic horseback riding as a viable treatment.

“Traditional therapies were no longer working for my daughter as she suffered a stroke at 5 ½,” said Murphy. “Since my daughter has started with this therapy, I have seen her make huge gains in her recovery and her self-esteem.”

Rhode Island Shriners, a fraternal organization that donates to patients and families looking for medical care, supports HBH’s therapeutic program. They offer financial aid for those who qualify (usually a letter from a doctor or therapist) that covers one lesson a week for one year and a spot in their therapeutic riding summer camp.

HBH’s summer camps include both traditional and therapeutic riding, the information for which can be found on their website. It is the only organization with a summer camp for therapeutic riding sponsored by Shriners.

With their move to Smithbridge Stables, Horses Bring Hope looks forward to accommodating more students and sharing the benefits of horseback riding.

For more information contact Dina Godinez at (401) 265-1341 and horsesbringhopepresident@gmail.com or visit their website, http://www.horsesbringhoperi.org