I partner with SoléAna Stables because I believe in the vision. In my experience, I’ve encountered others who already benefited from equine therapy or those that I knew could benefit from this therapy. Your time or financial resources are not only valued by those receiving therapy in the organization, but you bless those volunteering with you (and vice versa) or those giving alongside you as you witness the organization grow.
I found out about SoléAna Stables through our church in 2018 and started volunteering late fall with my daughter, Jadyn. We have two horses at our house that we ride and I thought we could help somehow. Little did I realize how much joy and happiness I would feel each time I came to the barn. I've seen the Riders improve their strength and courage as they ride horses, and show confidence in the saddle and sense of accomplishment. My heart is warm to see them have so much hope and joy!
I started doing this because I was searching for a way to serve, and I have always had a spot in my heart for children with special needs. Little did I know how much impact they would have on me. I look forward to connecting with them and brightening their day. These children are happy and loving and that’s a perfect mirror of how we should be as adults. I am truly honored to walk beside these little ones. SolèAna Stables provides me the opportunity to fulfill my life’s mission of Loving everyone, Serving everyone and Remembering God.
Working with the horses has helped me…gain more confidence in my actions and feel surer of myself. I experience PTSD, insomnia, and ups and downs with depression and anxiety…I’ve tried many other forms of therapy, and this has been so effective so far, unique and unlike anything else I’ve tried. Working with the horses and instructors has re-opened some areas I’ve suppressed recently, and I know this will be such a benefit to my mental health in the long run, as it is crucial to address those things if you want to heal. I’ll definitely be recommending the program to other Veterans! The program team, the instructors, have also been incredible. You can tell that they really care about our experiences.
This program really makes you leave all your own issues at the gate. You have to focus on your horse and kind of being “one” with him. He can tell when your mind is elsewhere. Learning all things horsemanship is such a wonderful experience. I feel like I’ve already learned SO much and cannot wait to continue! This has truly been a blessing.
"[Equine-assisted activities] are clearly a viable intervention option for Participants with impairments in balance, gross and fine motor function, gait, spasticity and coordination.”
"The benefits include improvements in posture, muscle tone, balance, strength, and gait patterns,…Sometimes the children are nervous at first, but once they get on a horse and ride, they love it and feel a huge sense of accomplishment. And it’s great for them to be outdoors."
"Such activities help build patients’ self-confidence, encourage independence, and increase physical activity and mobility."
Paige is 7 years old with low muscle tone but we've noticed a huge improvement in her posture and core strength since she started riding last October. Paige's favorite part of riding are the Volunteers. They ease her anxiety at the beginning of each lesson. The Volunteers are truly special with hearts of gold. We like to arrive about 20 minutes earlier than our lesson starts to meet them. They always interact warmly with her, show interest in her and immediately gain her trust. I can't imagine her lessons without them. As soon as they show her that they care, her confidence shines and she's ready to ride! We feel so blessed to have found this program and are extremely thankful to the Camacho Family, the Volunteers and Staff who make this program so special.
Norah has been riding with SoléAna Stables since the beginning and we feel very blessed to be a part of this great organization. Over the years, we have seen Norah improve in subtle incremental ways. For example, Norah has always struggled with opposites, left/right, inside/outside him/her, etc. Therapeutic horse riding has helped Norah have a stronger grasp on those concepts. This translates into personal care skills like putting her shoes on the correct way and with her speech and communication with her family and others. We want to send our heartfelt thanks to SoléAna Stables, the teachers and countless Volunteers who make this all possible for our daughter.