Archie Foundation for Therapeutic Horsemanship offers the Hoofbeats for Veterans therapeutic horsemanship training program to Armed Forces veterans, and their families, free of charge. The Hoofbeats for Veterans program has multiple, progressively challenging levels of horsemanship training, each level consisting of 8-weeks of horsemanship training, and includes Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL). Participants attend classes twice a week for 2 hours of grooming, riding, barn and horse care education, as well as Equine Facilitated Learning sessions.
Level one is the introduction to the program and focuses on building a solid foundation of horsemanship skills through learning the fundamentals of horse care, barn care, tack, and beginner riding skills.
Once participants have successfully completed level one they move on to the intermediate level which expands on the fundamentals. Participants will begin to develop more advanced riding skills, with advanced responsibilities and independence for horse and barn care.
Level three is the final level of the Hoofbeats for Veterans eight week horsemanship courses. It allows participants to dive deeper into their training with introductions to various riding disciplines and horsemanship skills. Participants at this level will be encouraged to consider entering competitive events and progressing to other disciplines such as para-equestrian, dressage, western riding, and attending advanced riding clinics.
Since June 2018, Archie Foundation for Therapeutic Horsemanship has sponsored over 1800 hours of training for military veterans and family members participating in multiple levels of the Hoofbeats for Veterans therapeutic horsemanship training program. Our veterans have participated, and won numerous awards, in horse shows such as the Stars and Stripes Summer Spectacular Equestrians with Disabilities Horse Show, the Chisolm Challenge horse show, Waco Heart Of Texas Veterans horse show, and the National Snaffle Bit World Championship horse show and futurity.
Our mission at Archie Foundation for Therapeutic Horsemanship (AFTH) is to enhance the quality of life for military veterans with diverse physical and mental challenges, through therapeutic horsemanship training programs. At AFTH, we strongly believe in the powerful healing impact horses have and want to enable military veterans, and their families, to experience that for themselves. We focus on building solid foundations in horsemanship skills through the authentic, knowledgeable instruction of new concepts and methods while creating enjoyable experiences on horseback.
The Hoofbeats for Veterans therapeutic horsemanship program program cost for each rider is $3500. In order to provide Hoofbeats for Veterans at no cost to the veteran, Archie Foundation for Therapeutic Horsemanship depends on the generosity of local business and private donors for funds.
Organization name
Archie Foundation For Therapeutic Horsemanship
Causes
Intellectual, Developmental, and Physical Disabilities, Mental/Behavioral Health, Veterans
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Rockwall
Address
6826 Rocky Top Circle