Horse Holiday Org. 501-C3 org.
Our beginnings --since January 1, 1997
Horse Holiday is an innovative, integrated, multi-dimensional, non-traditional, non-clinical, therapeutic alternative, dedicated to the mental 'health' and well-being of individuals, and families. While working with the horse, as a facilitator--our assistant co-partner --individuals learn more about themselves through their interactions and relationship with their environment, including people, nature, and animals.
Since the early 1960’s, horseback riding has become a highly regarded form of therapy for individuals with physical challenges. The ‘North American Riding for the Handicapped’ [NARHA], which is the governing organization for therapeutic riding centers, started a special interest section called the ‘Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association’ [EFMHA] to provide the psychological benefits of horseback riding. Some of these benefits are; enhanced self-esteem and self-awareness, increased self-control, and improved comprehension and decision-making skills.
Since before 1972, the founder of Horse Holiday, Rose Foreman, has combined her knowledge of horses and years of observing people’s interactions with the horse, and how this relationship --can affect their approach to life. While paralleling the guidelines established by NAHRA, she has developed her unique programs, which provide progressive options and opportunities --to re-pattern dysfunctional behaviors, feelings, and attitudes.
Horse Holiday has a special interest in youth between the ages of 8 and 18 who are considered ‘at-risk’, those children who are experiencing social and/or behavioral problems such as truancy, delinquency, or dysfunctional family behavior. Through funding --provided by the York-Adams County Mental Retardation department in 1998, we provided Horse Holiday Programs --to Youth Advocacy and Bell Socialization Services --as a Pilot Program.
In conjunction with the referring agencies, therapists and the client, needs and particular areas of difficulty are accessed, goals discussed, and individual sessions are tailored to address those issues. While working with the horse, youth quickly discover the consequences of not following directions. In contrast, the reward of effort is immediate, as the horses respond to their requests. As the youth begin to experience goal-oriented behavior, they begin to strive to improve their level of performance.
We heard --from those agencies:
· What have you done with ‘x’?. [Actually the mad acting-out boy --found an unconditional love that he yearned for so much.]
· What have you done to these people? [Mental ‘retardation] We asked what they meant by that question --the response --“They are talking to each other. They are actually having conversations” [Our response --“Aren’t they supposed to?”]
· “It is the first time we have ever seen her play” [This child found the trust, courage, and freedom --to start being a child again --at age 17.]
PLUS "We have tried every possible therapy on this individual over six months, and in three sessions --you discover she is dyslexic? How did you do that?" [By watching and listening!]
Funding for HH was later declined, due to the need for $69,000 in additional medication needs.
Our comments:
“Something is definitely wrong here. We are getting people stronger and the need for medication deceases, and you decline our program --to purchase MORE medications?”
Horse Holiday Org. learned so much during our first years, including the ‘system of business’ of too many non-profit organizations. [Sorrowfully --we were learning --TOO MUCH!]
Funding can also become a real issue, when it comes to including extra programs to help clients. Many organizations are quite limited in what they offer their clients/patients.
What we learned became the basis for our following years.
We maintain an altruistic system of equality between our guests/clients and the mutual desire to see everyone well and happy. We will not separate ‘patients’ from staff. We encourage expression and learning, and desire working with Health Professionals --who do not suppress healing and growth by complex medications.
We acknowledge that medications are often necessary; however, we feel that side-effects may not be considered, and additional medication may become an abuse of ‘their system’.
Horse Holiday Org. desires--
Anyone on multiple medications are not ‘hushed’ --being told ‘this is private information’.
By acknowledging a truth, we may also expose yet another truth!
We know of individuals on from 18 to 36 medications! We are sure this is only part of the story!
Does this seem right --or does it flare-up questions --that need answering!
Horse Holiday believes:
‘Personal integrity should include the freedom to want to know the truth, and to freely ask questions, and to expect real --honest answers.’ We suggest that anyone on multiple medications --gets another -or --several opinions!
Also Speak to and ask several pharmacists!
DO NOT only believe what you hear from your prescribing professional.
Ask someone else!
YES! Horse Holiday takes this stand
for Mental --HEALTH and WELLNESS!
What we have learned in our first years as a non-profit org.--has had a tremendous impact on our Program Structure, as well as our Program Content! Rose M. Foreman, founder.
Table of Contents --Horse Holiday Org.
Mail your tax-deductible Contributions to: Horse Holiday org.
1919 Ulsh Gap McClure, Pa 17841
FOR ON-LINE DONATIONS click here
CONTACT US Or CALL 410-838-0420
Copyright © 1999 [Horse Holiday org. 501-C3]. All rights reserved.
Revised: March 20, 2008.