Free veterans therapeutic program planned
Staff report
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.
Slippery Rock University’s Storm Harbor Equestrian Center is seeking area veterans interested in participating in its Equine Services for Heroes program, a free therapeutic riding program open to all veterans suffering from cognitive, physical, emotional or social disabilities.
The program can accommodate 30 veterans for riding, grooming, tacking and social engagements at the barn, said Courtney Gramlich, director of the Storm Harbor Equestrian Center.
Storm Harbor hosts veterans twice per month, providing opportunities to ride any of the center’s 12 horses at the indoor arena or along the outside trails, weather permitting.
Common disabilities seen among veteran participants include post-traumatic stress disorder or mental illness.
By individualizing the equine-assisted program to their particular needs and goals, positive, substantial gains in both emotional and physical attributes can be realized, said Betsy Kemeny, SRU assistant professor of recreational therapy.
The veterans therapeutic riding program is funded by a $53,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ adaptive sports branch. For information, call 724-738-4015.