MAKING A MARK

Equestrian Therapy Program

Email: etpfarm@etpfarm.org Phone: 419-657-2700 Address: 22532 Bowsher Rd Cridersville, Ohio 45806

by Paige Brinkman

The Equestrian Therapy Program (ETP) celebrates their 40th anniversary this year and they are asking the community to donate $40 for 40 years! In 1982, Ann Fassett wanted to start a therapeutic riding program at her Briarhedge Farm. After an all-weather indoor arena was built, a pilot program was held with 16 young riders in 1983. The program officially began in 1984 and they received riders from St. Rita’s, Lima Memorial and Marimor Workshop. After numerous changes, ground was broken for the new building and entrance in 2010, which added a second indoor arena, a large office, a conference room and of course, more horse stalls.

Founders: Joe Fassett, Ann Fassett, Bev Thompson

The Equestrian Therapy Program at Fassett Farm in Cridersville was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit by the trustees: Ann & Joe Fassett and Bev Thompson. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for the disabled. To do this, they offer many activities and therapies that are equine facilitated. They have five different programs: Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Hippotherapy, Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning, Boots on the Ground, and Leading to Literacy.

Executive Director, Michele Andrews-Sabol, explains that “this is more than just a pony ride. These horses give riders great physical and emotional benefit!” Horseback riding has been shown to be a therapeutic treatment for a variety of physical and mental disabilities. Some disabilities that see benefits include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, autism, developmental delays and even anxiety. While attending this type of therapy, you can see people benefit in various ways. This specialized therapy helps improve gross motor function, spasticity, muscle asymmetry, posture and balance, development of trust, and comfort. (Grandjean, 2015). “It has been clinically documented that just being around horses changes human brainwave patterns” (McVeigh, 2012). ETP serves both children and adults with a wide range of disabilities. One step of the horse leads to 120 movements in the rider’s body, forcing the body to use different muscles to stay on the horse. Andrews-Sabol also added that non-verbal kids often say their first words while at therapy.

Fassett Farm is beautiful and very big and it was nice to see so many different spaces for lessons. They have 50 acres of land with three barns, two indoor arenas and trails in the woods. There is always something happening on the farm! They also offer a seating area on the bleachers so parents may sit and watch their kids during a session. After observing a lesson myself I noticed that the instructor and volunteers looked to be very helpful and engaged with the child riding. I felt the passion for their mission, after speaking with the Executive Director.

Five-year-old Arden, was referred to ETP from her Occupational Therapist to aid in her coping skills with Sensory Processing Disorder. Arden’s mom, Sara, immediately noticed that what she was learning during her horseback riding sessions aligned with what she was working on at Occupational Therapy. Arden instantly warmed up to her instructor, Allison. Both Sara and Arden agree that Allison makes the classes fun, physical and educational. Sara is happy to share that, “We have found something Arden truly loves and as much as it benefits her, it benefits me to see her doing something that brings so much joy to her life!”

At Fassett Farm, all the instructors that teach classes have received special training and achieved certification. These instructors teach riding skills, create lesson plans, and manage volunteers, all in order to help the riders achieve their goals.

Peyton Craig, Arden Marsh and Kendal Moyer

Volunteers also have to go through training in order to be a side walker, leader, or part of the maintenance team. A side walker helps the rider stay on the horse, understand the lesson and have fun. A leader leads the horse during the lesson, making sure the horse stays on track.

Fassett Farm is always in need of volunteers so if you have a love of horses and helping people, please visit etpfarm.org and sign up! They are also having their 28th annual Ride-A-Thon event on October 22nd from 10am - 2pm, in honor of their 40th anniversary with free food, games, hayrides and much more! There will be opportunities to support this wonderful program through a silent auction, penny auction, and a 50/50 raffle!

References: Grandjean, Peter Walter. “The Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies ...” McVeigh, Tracy. “Not Just Horsing around ... Psychologists Put Their Faith in Equine Therapies.” Cowan Realtors supports the Equestrian Therapy Program because over the years we have seen what an impact the therapy has on the young riders that are fortunate enough to participate. We are so blessed to have a program like this in our area. It would not be possible without donations from local sponsors and all the hard work from Michele, the staff and the volunteers. It truly takes a village to support a program of this magnitude and ensure its continued success for years to come. They are always looking for volunteers and new sponsors. I would urge anyone that is interested to reach out to them to discuss the available opportunities. You won’t find a more rewarding way to give back than to support this remarkable local program.

- Ashley Cowan-Meas, ETP Board Member