HorseFriends seeks –
and often gets –
miraculous outcomes
The Summerfield-based non-profit relies on volunteers, grants and donations to provide its services free-of-charge; there is a currently a waiting list of 20 would-be participants.
you, I ove you.’ That mother’s excitement is still very special.” And there’s Simon Bunch, who started with HorseFriends when he was about 9 years old. Diagnosed with multiple mental and emotional challenges including Asperger’s and bipolar disorder, Simon’s growth through the program was phenomenal. In fact, he eventually transitioned from being a participant in the program to becoming a volunteer and helping others. “HorseFriends was a great way for him to build confidence and it gave him an alternative to participating in team sports,” said Simon’s mother, Lisa Bunch, who has volunteered with the organization since 2010 and serves as secretary of the board. A faith-based organization, HorseFriends works with individuals who have special needs such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury – most, but not all, of them children. Through equine therapy and educational programs, the organization has been extremely successful in developing confidence, physical and
by ANNETTE JOYCE Sharon Neely has witnessed countless miracles through her work with HorseFriends, a therapeutic riding program she helped establish in 2005. Take, for example, the young man in his early 40s who came to HorseFriends with a traumatic brain injury, confined to a wheelchair and suicidal. After spending time in the program, not only did he find his will to live but is now able to walk unassisted. Then there is the mother of three boys, all on the autistic spectrum. “The youngest had never said anything, and the mother told the volunteers she’d love to hear her son say ‘I love you,’” Neely recalled. “When they got home (after one of the classes), the little boy blurted out ‘I ove you, I ove
Peace of mind
is knowing your dog is loved and cared for while you’re away
Westergaard Kennels
Photo courtesy of Brooke Pennell
Besides building confidence and physical and emotional strength, HorseFriends brings a lot of joy to participants like Emma Nienaber.
emotional strength and a sense of joy for both its participants and volunteers.
that further enhance the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding.
Located off N.C. 150 in Summerfield, HorseFriends offers nine classes in which participants, with the help of volunteers, spend time riding therapeutically-trained horses and engaging in activities such as dropping balls into buckets and grabbing rings – activities
What sets HorseFriends apart from similar organizations is that its services are entirely free.
compassionate
personal caring
DOG BOARDING
Celebrating 31 years of caring for your dogs 5719 Bunch Road, Oak Ridge (336) 643-5169 • westergaardkennel@icloud.com
www.westbengoldens.com
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MARCH 7 - 13, 2019
“A lot of times this is the only thing these kids can do and this is what they look forward to,” Neely said. “We know families are strapped financially
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Karen Nasisse, DVM
1692-J NC Hwy 68 N, Oak Ridge • (336) 643-8984 nwanimalhospitalnc.com