The Center has six horses; Winston, Finnegan, Indian, Squirt, Shark and last, but not least, Spirit the miniature horse. Spirit is a big character who has proven to be a great ambassador for the Center, often serving as the Center’s liaison at outside events. Healing Touch plays an active role in the community by attending various events such as Osceola County Education in the Park, the Annual Autism Walk, Nathaniel’s Hope, The Cerebral Palsy and Downs Syndrome annual events. The goal of the Center is to broaden community awareness of the necessity of additional services and activities for the special needs community. Ambassador Spirit recently visited the 4th grade class of one of the Center's students.
It was a beautiful day filled with happy smiles and laughter.
The class came together and raised $108.00 for the Center. Each child had their picture taken with Spirit, and a good time was had by all. In April, Healing Touch hosted an event for a local Spina Bifida group at the Center. The families had a great time visiting with Spirit and the other horses, while enjoying the fresh country air. The kids were able to get on a horse and ride around the area. It was a beautiful day filled with happy smiles and laughter.
As with any non-profit organization, fundraising is a big part of the Center's life, in order to keep the cost of the lessons affordable to families. The average non-profit therapeutic riding center covers up to 75% of the cost of operations. These funds come from donations, grants and corporate contributions. There are several programs that will allow individual and corporations to donate. The Adopt-A-Horse and The Sponsor-A-Rider programs can make a significant difference in the financial health of a center.
Horse and The Sponsor-A-Rider programs can make a significant difference in the financial health of a center.
At the PATH International Conference in Orlando in 2013, Healing Touch became a member of ACTHA. It has been a wonderful partnership and the Center has hosted many rides as a fundraiser with Chris as the Ride Host. In Florida, the summer months are too hot for trail riding, however, rides are being planned to begin again in September.
One of the Center's major challenges has been to find a “forever” home that is suitable for a therapeutic riding center. They have rented a variety of properties in the Kissimmee/St. Cloud, FL area over the years. Their current rented location in St. Cloud has recently been foreclosed upon. Although the facility was in a wet area, and did cause some problems for the horses’ feet, it was home.
ACTHA Monthly | June 2015 | 37
ACTHA CHARITY of the Month
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