Help Save Partners in Equestrian Therapy SLO!

Hello! My name is Amanda and I am a volunteer at Partners in Equestrian Therapy (PET), San Luis Obispo. I am fundraising for this small but mighty organization that is dear to so many hearts, as they are facing an incredible time of need.

Meet PET, a Beloved Organization

PET has been serving the San Luis Obispo area since 1994 and helps adults and children with varying levels of ability and cognition through equestrian-supported therapy. Students work with a professionally trained therapeutic horse alongside a skilled team of trained staff and enthusiastic volunteers. It's amazing to witness students walk away from their sessions feeling confident and accomplished. Regular riders develop a sense of independence while improving physical and cognitive strength and abilities. The healing effect from working with these horses is tangible and I am constantly blown away when riders exit their sessions!

PET's Current Emergency

Recently, PET is facing some heavy challenges. Our Executive Director, who's time is 100% volunteered and is our only certified instructor, is going through major setbacks in her health. In late January, Melanie survived a serious case of appendicitis and had to stay in the hospital for an entire week. Melanie has been in recovery ever since, unable to lead any riding sessions or be involved in any capacity.

Our affordable therapeutic riding sessions are also PET's only income stream, and without Melanie able to work, the organization has quickly used up all financial reserves. We are in critical need of the community's help to keep our horses healthy while we pursue a path to urgently re-open our doors.

Because we recognize the serious situation of missing our only certified instructor, one of our first goals is to certify one new instructor ASAP through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). Melanie is also due for her re-certification as soon as her health allows. In addition to the cost of certification, PET has regular monthly expenses to feed, house, and care for our 4 trained therapeutic horses: Chief, Sonny, Ben, and Merlin.

Supporting PET's Horses and Riders

Pet is a remarkable resource in our community. 100% of all income and donations go directly to supporting our horses and riders. All of our labor and organizing is volunteer work. Your support will immediately go towards the therapy horses who make this program possible.

We are setting our goal for $12,000 which will cover three months of regular operating expenses in addition to 2 instructor certifications.

The breakdown of average costs looks like this:

Instructor Certification for two people plus preparatory training: $3,500

Insurance per month: $134

Boarding per month: $500

Hay bales per month: $700

Veterinarian bills per month: $667

Horse supplemental nutrition per month: $350

Ferrier services per month: $300

Equipment and gear per month: $85

Thank you so much for supporting this humble organization during a time of need. With the community rallying behind us, we can continue to maintain a healthy herd and open our doors again soon! Our riders are patiently waiting until they can return to their therapeutic sessions with our horses and volunteers. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

Learn more about our PET's services here from this video circa 2014>>