Latest news with #equinetherapy
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Surging demand for equine therapy fills McKinney nonprofit's waitlist
It's therapy that doesn't exactly look like therapy: outdoors, alongside a horse. Across North Texas, the demand for it is soaring. So much so that ManeGait, a nonprofit equine therapy center in McKinney, now has a waitlist of more than 400 people. "A lot of our participants say this is the only therapy that works for them anymore," said Patricia Nelson, CEO of ManeGait. The center offers cognitive, behavioral, occupational, and emotional therapy through structured horseback riding programs, serving both children and adults. Staff said needs have skyrocketed, largely spreading by word of mouth, driven by proven results and unique programs. One of those is a first-of-its-kind "brain-building" initiative that incorporates neurological exercises into therapy sessions on horseback. The goal? To improve mental processing, emotional regulation, and physical strength simultaneously. Currently, ManeGait provides therapy to 150 riders per week using a stable of 29 horses. Most participants live with physical or cognitive disabilities, PTSD, or trauma, many of them military veterans or first responders. But the program is open to anyone in need of support. The nonprofit is now working to expand, and hopes to serve more North Texans in a county that's grown rapidly. Cami Hutchins, who has cerebral palsy, has been riding at ManeGait for over a decade. Doctors once said she may never walk or talk on her own. Today, she's defied the odds, and said the program has helped transform her life. "When I'm on the horse, I feel free," Hutchins said. Her mother, Leslie Tillisch, says ManeGait has been a miracle. "Everything she does out here, it just makes the world better for her," Tillisch said. For the thousands who've come through its gates, ManeGait is more than a therapy center. It's a place where healing happens, one ride at a time.
CBS News
24-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Small nonprofit gets big help from Denver Broncos' Garett Bolles with fire mitigation: "I'm a protector"
On the pine-rich land in Elizabeth, where beetle-kill has run rampant, fire mitigation is critical. That's why dozens of volunteers stepped in to help a small Colorado non-profit ranch in a big way. "We're going to start thinning out the dead trees, removing some of the overgrowth in the canopy," explained Drew Hanna of Team Rubicon. "The idea being that if a fire were to impact this area in the future, it'll be less of a threat to the homes and structures to the folks who live out here." Team Rubicon, a veteran-led humanitarian organization, teamed up with USAA for the days-long work at Eagle's Nest Ranch. And, to help with some of the heavy lifting, they brought in Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles, who couldn't hold back from being on the front line. "Being an offensive lineman and being a protector, when I got this call, it was just a dream come true to come out here and protect our local communities," said Bolles. A dream come true, he added, because of the important work the equine therapy ranch does to support veterans and first responders. "Coming from a military family myself," Bolles said, "it plays very close to my heart." With a lot of heart and sweat, hundreds of trees on the ranch's 40 acres were trimmed, chopped, and cleared. Then, the branches and logs were loaded into a woodchipper to make mulch that will be used to fill a family park on the ranch. For the ministry ranch's founder, it was an emotional process to witness. "It's pretty amazing for a little non-profit to have everybody converge and do all the tree work," said Suzy Stanfill, founder and executive director of Eagle's Nest Ranch. It's especially meaningful, she added, knowing the fire mitigation work will help protect a place dedicated to those who protect us. "We're here to provide life support for our nation's heroes," Stanfill said. One of those heroes is U.S. Marine Corps veteran Jamie Minner. He started coming to Eagle's Nest Ranch in February, seeking support, as well as a place to volunteer. "Having friends in the military who committed suicide, it was important for me to get connected to an organization that catered to veterans and first responders," he said. And through the ranch and its horses, Minner has found healing. "The connection that humans and horses can have, and the emotions they feel from the human, is special," he said, adding it was special seeing so many volunteers helping to protect the property. "This is a lot of work, and it's nice to see an organization support the effort to do it." And it's all special thanks to a protector of quarterbacks. "That's what I do on a regular basis," said Bolles. "I'm a protector; it's one of my favorite things to do. It's what I was born to do." "It means a lot that you would take the time to come out here," Stanfill said to Bolles. "I wouldn't miss it in a heartbeat," he replied. Eagle's Nest Ranch was founded in 2014. Its faith-based programming supports veterans and first responders as well as their families. Stanfill said any veteran, firefighter, police officer, or other first responder in need of support is welcome to find healing at the ranch. For more information, including how to volunteer, visit
CBS News
15-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
Horses in Hookstown help veterans heal and grow
In Hookstown, you'll find horses at Unbridled Performance and its founder, Amy Foster. She's on a mission to help horses and military veterans, for free. "I feel like we're answering God's call," said Foster. This calling uses equine therapy pairing horses with veterans, like George. "It's really gratifying to have (George) him come here, and you can just feel them relax and just open their hearts," Foster said. Those hearts open through accomplishing different exercises, overcoming obstacles, and seeing them come alive together. Since starting in April even, George is just one of the veterans who's come out of his shell more, by interacting with horses. Foster told George, "(The horse) he didn't hesitate to follow you, at any point." With a high five, she said, "Nice job". George responded, "Thanks." Foster said this entire experience was made possible by the non-profit, Outdoor Immersion. "It's so peaceful here, and this is the thing that's missing for a lot of our veteran military community is a sense of peace," the founder of Outdoor Immersion, Jim Skal, said. In this space, veterans gain more than just a sense of peace. Through the non-profit's work, military vets restore resilience, increase connection, and find purpose for their future. That's all part of Outdoor Immersion's mission. "It brings something out of the veteran, opens them up relationally, which helps to increase resilience, which is what we are really all about," Skal said. The animal and human connection brings service men and women out of their shells. Military veteran Mike Stanislow also volunteers with Outdoor Immersion at Unbridled Performance. "The change I've seen in him (George) in the past few months has been night and day," he said. While at the equestrian facility, veterans do service projects too. "We'll walk and we'll work on the electric fences together, or walking, we will clear the path together." Stanislow said, "It helps them to give something back, so they don't feel like they are just taking." After all, they are at a horse sanctuary. "These horses are abused and neglected, so we take them and rehabilitate them right, so it's a lot like we as vets feel sometimes right, we are a tool," said Foster. Those veterans find a sanctuary here, too. "So, watching them bring these horses back to life. It's a mutual exchange," Foster said. The strength, the speed, and the grace of a horse help to heal our service members, back to a peaceful place. To connect with outdoor immersion's equine therapy with Unbridled Performance, you can attend a monthly community day at the equestrian facility. The next one is on June 21st, at 1 p.m., and then, you can schedule a one-on-one with the horses for free. There are no equine veteran programs in Allegheny County or Beaver County. So, this fills a void, and it's open to other first responders, like police and firefighters. Outdoor Immersion provides a wide range of outdoor activities for veterans. For more information, check out their website at this link.
BBC News
08-06-2025
- BBC News
Headlines: Trams and ex-footballer jailed for drug smuggling
Here's our weekly round up of stories from across local websites in the West of have a daily round up as well. Make sure you look out for it on the website and the local section of the BBC News app. What have been the big stories in the West this week? Former Bristol City footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a £600,000 cannabis smuggling Live said the 34-year-old was arrested after authorities intercepted 60 kilograms of cannabis at Stansted Airport, concealed in suitcases arriving from Thailand. Emmanuel-Thomas had recruited two women, including his girlfriend, to transport the drugs. While the women were cleared of charges due to lack of evidence, Emmanuel-Thomas pleaded guilty to the Swindon Advertiser published an interview with Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson, who has supported calls to make cannabis a class A drug, which would bring it into line with drugs like heroin and crack Stroud News and Journal reported on an equine therapy centre in Stroud that is looking for a new home as its current one is up for Bristol finally get a tram system? The current Metro Mayor Helen Godwin believes so. Bristol Live reported on a new government investment into the West of England's transport system earlier this club chairman stepped down this week after an incredible 39 years at the helm. The club said it believed he was one of the longest serving chairmen in English if you're feeling flush with money, Somerset Live has reported on the luxury Glastonbury accommodation which will set you back £28,000 - though it comes with its own helicopter landing pad. Top five local stories for the BBC in the West Something longer to read Bristol historian Eugene Byrne has written an article for the Bristol Cable, exploring the Bristolians who profited from the Confederate States of America during the Civil Union soldiers blockaded American ports, the Confederates sent agents to the UK to purchase muskets and other weapons, and Bristolian ships were used as 'blockade runners' to try and evade patrolling warships. Explore more with our daily roundups
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Memorial Day: Wild mustangs help veterans heal through Wyoming ranch program
While Memorial Day is a time for remembrance, it can also be a difficult period for many veterans, particularly those struggling with mental health. A program in Wyoming is helping to address those challenges by pairing veterans with wild mustangs in a unique approach to healing. Veterans Day: Dennis Quaid, Trace Adkins Among Hollywood Stars Honoring Our Military According to data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2001 to 2022, veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, depression and anxiety than civilians. Each year, approximately 6,000 veterans die by suicide. At some point in their lives, 7 out of every 100 veterans (or 7%) will experience PTSD, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In the small town of Jay Em, Wyoming, a nonprofit called Operation Remount Corporation is offering a form of equine therapy that serves not only veterans and first responders, but also the mustangs—many of which come from traumatic backgrounds. Read On The Fox News App Karen Alexander, co-founder of Operation Remount, says some mustangs also experience trauma and anxiety, making the program a form of reciprocal healing. "These are mustangs that went through three adoptions and were not accepted or not adopted," Alexander said. "When the mustangs first come, they are very afraid of humans. It's really neat to see when that animal finally says, I can trust you." Trump Suprises 104-Year-old Wwii Veteran With Birthday Message After Viral Tiktok Invite Veteran Sean Walker is one of this year's participants at Operation Remount. He says joining the program and meeting his horse, nicknamed Spirit, was needed after serving in the military. Walker, who completed two tours in Iraq and one in Bosnia with the Kansas National Guard, says just a few weeks with his horse, Spirit, has already made a significant impact. "We call him Enduring Spirit Wind," Walker said. "He's taught me probably more than I could have possibly taught him." After retiring from the military, Walker said reintegrating into civilian life was difficult. Like many other veterans, he experienced mental health challenges. The program recently added a new red cabin to house participants during the six-week course. It was built in honor of Marine Corps Sgt. B.J. Shepperson, who served two deployments and struggled with the transition back to civilian life in Wyoming. Shepperson said his brother B.J. loved horses and would have really appreciated what this program is doing to help other veterans. "After two deployments and coming back to Wyoming, he had a hard time re-adjusting," said his brother, Baxter Shepperson. Veteran On Mission To Combat Suicide In Military Community Program leaders say they're working to construct more cabins, allowing additional veterans and first responders to stay overnight during the program as they experience the therapeutic bond with a horse. "It's like when you found a connection that you've lost," Walker said. "It allows you to have that reconnection and Spirit has been that." Operation Remount allows the veterans and first responders to keep the wild horse after completing the six-week course. The nonprofit holds sessions in both spring and fall. The team at Operation Remount is now working toward building an indoor facility so they can offer the program throughout the year, even during Wyoming's harsh winter article source: Memorial Day: Wild mustangs help veterans heal through Wyoming ranch program
