Seeking Advice! Therapeutic Riding Program for Service Members

My First Time on a Horse

Greetings Imgur! The most amazing thing happened last night! A good friend of mine from polo casually mentioned he had a farm and a handful of retired polo ponies near MCB Quantico that he wishes someone would start a therapeutic riding program for our service members with metal and physical injuries. Why is this amazing? Because I had been planning on opening one myself, but was 10 years out from being able to afford a farm. As a military spouse, and having firsthand-ly seen the healing that horses can give, it's always been something I've been passionate about.

"Something about the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man." - Winston Churchill

My story: I had ridden on and off all through my childhood, but dropped it when I became a teenager. Years later, I fell into a deep depression, drug abuse, suicide attempts. A family friend, eager to help, encouraged my mom to get me back into the horses, specifically polo, to get my mind off my troubles. It worked! Lessons were every Tuesday, and the rest of the week was spent thinking about/preparing for the next lesson.

I went on to get my bachelor's degree in equine studies from Virginia Intermont College (closed now, but boasted the best equestrian program in the US). I worked and played polo for 10 years, and started a therapeutic riding program for people recovering from addiction in Mexico.

Three Amigos

Where you come in: I've seen the Imgur community do great things when we're inspired to. I'm not asking for money. I'm hoping to hear from the Imgurians who have started their own non-profit, or riding program, or therapy for our service-members and learn from them! I'd love to hear some lessons-learned, steps I need to take, 'gotchas!' to watch out for. I'll be doing my own work and research the next coming days, but being able to learn from others' experiences is a blessing.

Cat Tax

Sheemie thinks no one will respond. She judges my post. Will you prove her wrong?