WHAT IS THE SADDLE UP FOR HEROES PROGRAM: NARHA Horses for Heroes assists military veterans through services provided by NARHA members and by providing leadership and guidance for equine assisted activities and therapies.
The goal of this program is to improve the lives of service men and women who have suffered injury in the line of duty, by helping them adjust physically and emotionally to their post-war lives.
SERVICE: Soldiers are referred by a physician, mental health professional or therapist and screened by a therapeutic riding instructor to determine suitability of his/her treatment. Soldiers with the diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, Amputations, burns and neurological impairment may benefit from this service. Saddle Up Riding Club employs professionals in therapeutic riding instruction, hippotherapy and equine assisted mental health professionals.
SOLDIERS HELPING SOLDIERS: Veteran volunteers are a key ingredient in the healing of injured soldiers. Veterans wanting to volunteer receive training in program goals, horse handling, sidewalking and safety.
HISTORY: The concept of this program was originally developed by Mary Jo Beckman, NARHA Advanced Certified Riding Instructor. It has seen great results in Ft. Myer, VA, with the Caisson Platoon, 3rd U.S. Infantry, in Barnesville, MD, with Circle of Hope Therapeutic Riding, and in Georgetown, TX, Ride On Center for Kids.
NARHA stands for North American Riding For the Handicap Association. Saddle Up Riding Club is a proud member of this association and has strict guidelines and standards as well as registered therapeutic instructors. This program is the first of its kind offered in the Pinellas County area.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK: Horses and humans use a similar motion and gait when walking. Horse movements cause riders to respond using natural body movements. Exercise equipment works specific muscle groups, whereas horseback riding promotes an integrated “whole person” flow of movement. Participants with physical disabilities improve their muscle strength, balance, flexibility and coordination.
Saddle Up’s horses are also friendly, nonjudgmental companions whose gentle natures helps improve mental and emotional states. The bond that develops between a horse and rider inspires a sense of teamwork, responsibility, communication, caring and joy.
Participation in outdoor activities with a horse can help improve morale and well being. And veterans supporting soldiers with injuries provide a healing environment for all involved.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Any veteran of any war or age, active duty, disabled or able-bodied can participate. There is no cost to the veteran for this program.
If you believe that you or a loved one could benefit from this service, contact Kellie Sipos at 727-520-3132 or ksipos@saddleupridingclub.org
Saddle Up Riding Club raises its funds for this program through grants, fundraising, and generous donations.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE: Military related disability, application, physician referral and evaluation by Saddle Up Riding Club Staff.
VOLUNTEERS: Veterans are recruited to provide help in sidewalking, horse handling, and moral support. The benefits of soldiers helping soldiers is for both the soldier and the veteran to support the military philosophy of “No Soldier Left Behind”.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS: Must be a Veteran of the Armed Services, fill out a Volunteer Application, and attend Volunteer Training. Application may be downloaded off of the website. Contact Sandy Gilbert, Volunteer Coordinator at: (727)644-7761 or volunteer@saddleupridingclub.org
