So, I have exciting news!! Joe and I are going to try and get PUBLISHED! We are just in the planning stages now, but we are going to do a paper on how to use Equine Therapy with Veterans.  Everyone involved seems to be really excited, and since there isn't a lot of information on this specific topic I think it will be well received.  I would love to one day expand on this topic and do a research study on this, but that has to be approved by IRB so we cannot go that in depth just yet.  This week I will be doing a lot more research on the topic and meeting with a librarian to find more articles.  I can't wait to really dive into this exciting opportunity!!

This week was at the Red Barn was interesting.  It was the first time I had seen a therapeutic riding lesson that didn't go perfectly.  It was very interesting to see how even that got turned into a teaching moment and how important it is to have other things around the barn that can stimulate the kids. The lesson had to adapt to the situation, but I think it ended up being a good thing because it seemed like more counseling than usual happened.  We are still in the throws of planning the Open House, but it seems to be coming together nicely! The music is booked, a folk artist is doing a craft with the kids, we are figuring out how we will be doing tours, and we've decided to just have some snacks and drinks since it will be from 2-4. (photo from theredbarn.org)

So, what all does The Red Barn do exactly?

This week, because of Labor Day, I didn't get to spend as much time out at the Red Barn, but I spent some time working from home on things for the Open House, which is October 13th from 2-4 PM if anyone wants to come.  On this post I really wanted to inform everyone on the different programs that The Red Barn offers.

First, there is Horse Play.  It is just a program for kids to come, usually in a day camp format, to learn about horses.  Depending on the situation, there may or may not be a charge for this program.

Saddle Up is a program where kids who may or may not have a physical, cognitive, or emotional disability learn how to ride horses in an individual or group lesson format.  There is a charge for this program, however scholarships are also available.

Spirit of Hope is where individuals or families come to learn horsemanship skills through ground work activities with horses. The focus is on learning relationship and communication skills with horses that can later be transferred to relationships with others.  There is no charge for this program.

Take the Reins is a program for veterans, active or inactive military and their families.  This program is defined by the participant and can be any combination of the programs available.  There is no charge for this program. 

Lastly, there is Save Our Children, which is a program in collaboration with The Mustard Seed Society.    This program uses true Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy with groups or individuals referred from in-school or adjudicated programs.  This program takes place at The Mustard Seed's facilities and is funded and administrated by The Red Barn.  This program is different from Spirit of Hope in that it focuses more on counseling than horsemanship skills.  This program is also offered free of charge. 

So, these are the different programs that I have been involved with so hopefully you understand more of what The Red Barn does!