2016 Miniature Horse WORLD Issues June/July 2016 Volume 32, Number3 | Page 24

Legacy of Hope InitiativeKate Bashor When I started Legacy I thought it would be a great way for me to do what I love while at the same time giving back to my community, and I was right. But what I didn’t expect was the way helping others would impact my life in such a positive way. I formed my team, and they became my lifelong friends. Before we knew it we were bringing people together from our community as volunteers, taking our horses into nursing homes, schools, and medical facilities, training and selling therapy horses across the country, and loving every minute of it. We have completed over 275 therapy visits with our therapy minis and volunteers. We are not certified or registered with any outside agency, rather we have developed our own training process with exams for horses and handlers to pass before they can go on visits. When asked to write this article, I was excited to share with others a few tips on how I began this journey. I offer free advice for everyone on my Facebook page Legacy Miniature Horse Therapy. I use this page for training tips, videos, and useful paperwork. Also on this page we offer products we use and information on where to find amazing halters, therapy vests, lead ropes and other gear that will make your team look uniform and professional. One of the most helpful pages I have found is another Facebook page is Pasture to Partners Miniature Horse Therapy started by Jenny Kiest. This page offers advice and information from people who have been doing therapy with Minis for years. It’s a great place for new people to ask questions without judgement as this group is friendly and supportive- it feels like a family. Members want to see others succeed so that more groups can be established all over the world. 22 Miniature Horse World Doing this work with Miniature horses has transformed my life, healed my soul. It has given me a purpose that has brought me more happiness than I can ever describe in words. I wake up every day and jump out of bed eager to get outside and train horses or go on a therapy visit. If you have ever considered doing this work with your Mini, it is my wish that this article will inspire you to take the first step toward your dream. While starting a nonprofit takes dedication, time, money, organization and a strong love of horses and people, it is not unattainable in any way. I believe any person with a strong desire to succeed can do this as long as they are passionate about their cause. I have had so much help and support from my family and from strangers who became great friends, I am so grateful to all of them. Legacy of Hope Initiative recently relocated from Kansas City, Missouri to Savannah, Georgia. I am going through all the motions of building a new team and getting to know a new community. Starting over is humbling and has reminded me of the need to help others as they start down this path. One point to remember as you begin, it is ok to not know everything! We all learn as we go along and you’re not doing this alone. Reach out to people in your community. My mother always asked me “Kate, what is your legacy?” Well this is mine, to spread joy to others with the help of my “Mini” friends and to leave the world a better place when I’m gone. J U N E / J U LY 20 1 6