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.
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