Windfall Equestrian Center in Stillwater will host an open house Saturday, Oct. 4, to introduce a new equine therapy program for veterans and at-risk youth.
The event aims to show how individuals can get involved, either as participants who could benefit from therapy or as volunteers supporting their mission.
The open house runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will feature a horse soccer game to demonstrate the trust and communication skills in equine therapy.
Attendees can participate in pony rides, interactive games, crafts and horsemanship activities like grooming and feeding.
Admission is free and open to the public, though some activities, like the pony rides, require paid tickets. All proceeds will support the center’s programs.
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Equine therapy involves a licensed mental health professional and a horse working together to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression, according to the center. Their mission is to offer hope, healing, compassion and strength to veterans and youth.
Open house activities will give people the chance to connect with the horses in a low-pressure and comfortable environment, said Jennifer Collman, the executive director and equine specialist at Windfall Equine Therapy Center. People also will experience the powerful bond between humans and horses, she said.
A Columbia University study enrolled 63 veterans with PTSD in equine therapy. Participants attended weekly 90-minute sessions over eight weeks and more than half showed a marked reduction in PTSD and depression both immediately after treatment and at a three-month follow up, according to the study authors.
The therapy center offers equine therapy sessions for veterans from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28. The sessions are supported by donations.
Windfall Equestrian Center is at 3843 Oakgreen Ave. N. in Stillwater. Find more information at windfallequestriancenter.us.
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