Aleah Peters (Miss Douglas County), Rachel Foehlinger (Miss Lake McConaughy), and I at the Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy Fundraiser - I love spending time with these girls!
I personally love horseback riding. There is just something about riding through nature on a gentle animal that is refreshing and relaxing. Considering this, it shouldn't be surprising that horses are used for therapy for people with special needs.
With one of the riders - she was so sweet!
When we made an appearance at the Blue Jeans and Dreams Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy fundraiser, Aleah Peters, Rachel Foehlinger, and I got to see this in action as several of the kids road their horses in front of those attending the fundraiser - it was incredibly touching to see the kids riding with the biggest smiles across their faces!
Another one of the riders - he was so excited to take a picture with us!
As a Nebraska girl it was great to get to spend the evening walking around a barn in a plaid shirt and jeans, although it did get a little cold!
Not only did we get to watch the kids ride, but we also got to chat with several of the guests and help with the live auction! While chatting, we got to meet some of the HETRA volunteers and learn more about HETRA. Not only does the organization provide therapeutic riding for individuals with special needs, but they also provide riding for veterans who have returned home from war. Riding a horse closely mimics walking which can help veterans who need to learn how to walk all over again.
This man must have been at least 7 feet tall (if not taller)!
I was so inspired by the work that the organization does and the difference they can make, that I asked about volunteering at the HETRA barn here in Omaha and I look forward to scheduling some work with them this summer!
http://www.hetra.org/ Here is the link so you can help too!
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