Healing with Horses Foundation Covid Relief

Name of the Organisation: Healing with Horses Foundation

Address: #10-14 Galla Trace, Buccoo Point, Scarborough, 901131

Website: healing-with-horses.org

Introduction: 

Since the Healing with Horses (HWH) Foundation’s inception in 2010, we have offered therapy and programs aimed at empowering children and adults with a range of special needs in the Tobago community.

Our programs are particularly focused on individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Emotional Trauma, and Weak Motor Skills.

HWH is also responsible for rescuing and rehabilitating several equines. The herd currently includes twelve horses and one pony.


Due to the recent lockdowns in Trinidad and Tobago, our regular fundraising activities and events such as horseback riding sessions, workshops, and souvenir sales which the HWH Foundation depend on to remain sustainable have been canceled. This has put a severe strain on the Foundation’s assets. Therefore, HWH is seeking monetary donations towards the Foundation’s maintenance expenses. This includes horse care and the preservation of the therapeutic park area where our herd lives and where our therapy sessions are conducted.


HWH BACKGROUND

Healing with Horses was created in 2010 as a non-profit organization, realized from a dream by its Founder and Director, Mrs. Veronika Johanna Danzer-LaFortune. With one horse rescued from the rain forest and a heart filled with love and faith, Mrs. Danzer-LaFortune and her husband, Mr. Lennon LaFortune created a place where children of different backgrounds, nationalities, and varied physical and mental abilities are engaged and enjoy therapy and creative engagement.

Our weekly sessions include therapeutic play in our Magical Playground, music, drumming, nature walks, gardening, art and craft, animal care in general, and the exceptional experience of Being with Horses. Our healthy herd of eleven horses and one pony (most of them rescued or donated), gives everyone a way to experience a strong sense of bonding and affection, along with the physical benefits of strengthening their core muscles and improving balance through ENT (Equine Nature Therapy). Each child is offered the opportunity to be, ride, groom, and commune with these gentle animals.

The children are guided by teachers and volunteers and are encouraged to be creative and expressive, enjoying the outdoors, surrounded by nature and the sea. While enjoying these unique sessions, the children gain new insight, self-esteem, realize unknown talent, and share this joy with their friends as they come together to discover the Love and Magic of Healing with Horses.



HWH MISSION STATEMENT

“Creating an integrated, inspiring, and safe space in which specially-abled children, adults and animals are empowered to realize their full potential through therapeutic interactions with Nature.”

VISION STATEMENT

“A Harmonious Wave of Healing for all”


WHAT IS E.N.T.?

Equine Nature Therapy (E.N.T.) is a type of therapy created and offered by the HWH Foundation. The focus is “Being with Horses” as the participants groom, feed, ride, and be with the equines. It differs from most traditional equine therapy as we encourage bonding, communication, trust, and self-empowerment for the participants, along with the muscle strengthening, balance, and other physical improvements developed during the actual riding. The participants also learn and practice life skills vital for personal development and integration within the wider community.

The participants of our sessions are guided by teachers and volunteers and encouraged to be creative and expressive. They also enjoy the outdoors, surrounded by nature and the sea. The therapeutic playground provides the participants with the chance to not only enjoy free and maximum movement, but also to observe and contribute to the way it is constructed and decorated, using recycled objects, many of which are derived from nature. Everything in the park has been built with the ease of use and safety of the child taken into consideration.  


CONCLUSION

HWH is committed to making a difference in the lives of persons with disabilities in Tobago. With your sponsorship, HWH can continue to offer the E.N.T. sessions free of charge. 


Alternative Ways to Donate:

1. Bank Deposit: Scotia Bank, Account Number: 120051200518
                                      Branch ID / Transit Number: 12005  
                                      SWIFT Code: 21105

2.  Paypal: coop@healing-with-horses.org

3. Cheque: Made out to Healing with Horses Foundation
                         Mailed to #10-14 Galla Trace, Buccoo Point, Scarborough, 901131

Thank you for your time and consideration!