Kemmerer Village is celebrating one year of its equine therapy being available to all youth in the area.  The Assumption-based Presbyterian child-care agency had long provided the service to its boarded youth before opening it to others.  Two different programs are available, and both are designed to help improve critical personal and interpersonal traits in kids who take part.

The R.I.D.E. program is open to all children aged 3-17.  The Horses & Heroes program accepts children in the same age range who have developmental delays.  Amie Sparks, the director of outreach and donor relations with the Kemmerer Village Foundation, says the programs use qualified therapists and volunteers to work with the participants. 

Kemmerer Village is far from the only organization that offers equine therapy.  The practice is common because of the connection children can create with horses and how it can help them grow. 

Sparks says kids who participate in the program develop further confidence and self-esteem, among other major changes. 

Sparks tells the story of one program participant.  She says the participant and the horse helped each other grow in confidence.

Community members can volunteer to work with riders in the Horses & Heroes program.  Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Jan Traughber at jan.traughber@kemmerervillage.org. 

Anyone interested in enrolling a child in one of the equine therapy programs can email Amber Miller, Kemmerer Village’s equine therapist, at amber.miller@kemmerervillage.org or call (217) 226-2226.  More information on Kemmerer Village is available at www.kemmerervillage.org.

Amie Sparks appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.