Therapeutic Riding Association faces funding crisis
By Joe Callahan, Ocala Star-Banner, Fla. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
The program gives riding lessons to these children -- some of whom have never even walked. And the transformation is almost immediate.
Many of these children, some of whom rarely show emotion, come out of their shells, most smiling broadly as the horse trots along.
The program helps develop the cognitive, emotional and sensory parts of their brains, bringing them into a new world.
On any given day at the facility behind Hillcrest at
The MTRA needs to raise
For MTRA to offer the Hillcrest program just in the fall, it will need to raise
For the entire 2014-15 school year, the nonprofit will need to raise
But the financial crisis is even worse than that. The
The agency really needs another
The agency is certified by the
The 2,200 square feet of fences must meet PATH guidelines and are in dire need of repair, for instance. And the 30-year-old buildings need new roofing.
The Hillcrest facility is the original MTRA location, launched in 1985. Since then, a second one has been added at its
The Greenway location is where the nonprofit conducts therapeutic lessons for a small fee to all people seeking services.
To operate both facilities, it costs
The nominal riding fees at Greenway only generate about
"We rely on donations," said
During his plea for donations, Willits noted some Hillcrest students hadn't spoken often until after such enlightening therapeutic rides.
"I watched these children and the transformation that takes place," said Willits of a visit a few years ago. "It resonates far beyond after they get off the horse."
Willits noted the school district owns the Hillcrest facility but MTRA pays for the services and facility upkeep.
"We are looking at finding a corporate sponsor," he noted, adding that a company that donates
"The economy took a toll on so many things; it would be a shame to lose this," said Manresa, adding the program is vital for the child's cognitive, emotional and sensory well-being.
Johnson hopes area residents, including those in the horse industry, can step up to save the Hillcrest program. She said only a handful of donations so far have come from local horse farms or others in the vibrant horse industry.
He noted his association has its own fundraising arm, which pays its program at
Powell said donations are down for many of the horse industry organizations, and there are many groups facing the same obstacles as MTRA.
"It's a very good program," Powell said of the Hillcrest facility. "We would not be opposed to promote their fundraising efforts if they approached us about it."
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