indoor arena for equine-assisted therapy, Poland

In north-eastern Poland, nature seems to be wonderfully untouched. The beauty of vast forests and lakesides there simply takes your breath away. In the lovely and secluded countryside of this region, there are kind-hearted people who genuinely try to help to change lives of those in need, despite limited resources they have. This is also where I met Monika Lada and her three horse therapists. Now I want to let her tell you something more about herself:

My name is Monika Łada and I run a small equine-assisted Therapy and recreation center called "Stajnia Tajfun" in the village Gatne Drugie.

In the 90s, as a teenager, I got fascinated by equine-assisted therapy and worked as a volunteer in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie branch of the Polish Hippotherapy Association (PTHiP) in Bydgoszcz. Before I became professionally involved in this form of therapy, I earned a certification as a riding instructor in 2001 and then in 2010 I became a PTHiP equine-assisted instructor.

In my work as a therapist I most often deal with autism and its spectrum, cerebral palsy as well as various diseases with genetic background. Additionally, I work with oncology patients and post-stroke patients. I also have a number of patients with postural defects such as scoliosis. A big challenge are psychiatric patients with depression.

I have always been fascinated by the effect horses have on people and especially on the sick. I often observe that patients open up around horses, are more willing to exercise and make an effort to improve their health.

As of today I have three fully trained horse therapists. These include two large horses and one pony.

Unfortunately, I do not currently have an indoor arena and that is why I am dependent on the whims of the weather which often forces me to take a break (often from October till May). In the winter in the Suwalki region I am forced to suspend therapy and riding, waiting for spring and better weather conditions. This situation often results in me starting all over again after a break with many patients.

It makes me truly happy and grateful that I can help my patients and that I do the job I love.

I would be very grateful, if you would support us to help Monika to have an indoor riding arena and help all her patients also during the autumn and winter season!!!