by Rita Thompson-Tinsley
Close to thirty years ago, Horses with Heart founder, Vickie Stuart, put a dream into motion. The painstaking progress and fruition of this endeavor she could never have imagined. Stuart‘s determination to give her community this unique opportunity to enjoy the gift of therapeutic and recreational horsemanship began with one horse donated from local S Bar & J Ranch. Today, Horses with Heart operates this phenomenal organization with somewhere around a dozen equines, made to order for these special folk.
Trudy Chapman-Radley is described as a ‘whirlwind in western boots.‘ That she is. She became the very first Executive Director of Horses with Heart in 1996, and continues her service as a substitute certified instructor and Horses with Heart board member. Trudy‘s knowledge of the horse, and her compassion for, is undeniably evoked in her philosophy stating, “No wheelchairs or walkers are needed when you‘re on the back of a horse.”
Horses with Heart has so much for so many. The well-developed programs at Horses with Heart were designed to bring therapeutic horsemanship expressly to the special needs and veteran communities here in Northern Arizona. They offer private and group lessons for special needs ages 4 to over 80. Sometimes a lesson can become more and more uniquely structured, such as the case with veteran instructor and Operations Director Pam Berry.
Pam began working with a 4-year-old girl who had cerebral palsy. The little girl wasn‘t comfortable with anyone but her family, so when Pam attempted to work with her on a horse, the girl would become unglued and just scream. She was clearly out of her comfort zone, and, like some of the young special needs students, was non-verbal. She would scream but not speak.
Pam, noting that the girl was extremely fond of books and being read to, devised a plan. She rode with the little girl on the horse bareback, carried a book, and read to her as the horse moved out.
The little girl became calmer and calmer. With each session, Pam asked her to tell the horse to whoa. Eventually, she said ”Whoa.“ Progress, indeed.
All of the riding instructors at Horses with Hearts are certified by Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH).
Horses with Heart has a competition team that goes to events such as Chino Valley Equestrian Park‘s Open Breed Horse Show. The team has excellent riding instructors working with them.
The show offers competition classes designed for special needs riders under the division Equestrians with Disabilities. These kids train hard to compete in English and Western classes, and the results speak for themselves by way of applause, shouts of joy, and the coveted ribbons.
If you’re over the age of 55 and have always loved horses but don‘t own one, Horses with Heart has a program called Silver Saddle just for you. Their certified instructors teach a group lesson in four six-week sessions each year. You are never too old to appreciate your time on or around a horse.
Horses with Heart began the program Heroes & Horses in 2010. The agenda is specifically laid out to benefit our local veterans and first responders, many who suffer from PTSD, and the participant is not necessarily riding in the saddle. Many choose to have ground time, just utilizing time being with the horse. This can be when most horses work their magic spiritually.
For the first time in Arizona, NSBA Heroes ON Horses will be appearing at WestWorld in Scottsdale, a spectacular event. Seven of the veterans in the Horses with Heart Heroes & Horses program are planning to attend.
You might wonder how Horses with Hearts acquire their therapeutic equine friends and just what characteristics are important on their shopping list. Executive Director Angelique LeVell is generally the shopper, and the qualifications she is looking for include: 1) must be a saint; 2) extremely tolerant; 3) kind and gentle; 4) willing to allow a variety of riders to hop on board (at different sessions); 5) consistent; and, 6) not spooky or reactive.
The horses at the HWH barn vary in height because there are different horses for different needs. Independent riders, like the competition team, can have taller horses, whereas riders needing support on one or both sides would fare better with a horse of shorter stature. Clearly, there is a horse for all needs.
Now approaching the 30-year milestone of their founding, this fine equestrian crew and all those involved in the Horses with Heart mission have proven to have their finger on the pulse of a community.
These selfless souls, including parents and families of the riders that partake, have bestowed a true labor of love that only comes from the heart.
