NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Can riding a horse help heal? A Nashville non-profit thinks so.
"It was basically a dream come true. I have been working on this project here at this barn at Oak Hill For about five years now," said Curt Stacy, Equine Program Director, for TEAM (Therapeutic Equine Assistance Method) at First Presbyterian Church's Oak Hill Campus, "I wanted to find a way to bring the love of helping people with disabilities as well as bringing the horseback riding aspect into it."
Here, Stacy and volunteers introduce riders with disabilities to horses.
The program has been open to children - now - they're extending their services to adults.
"We also are starting up [a program] that will cater to the veterans and even active-duty military who may be struggling with PTSD or other battle injuries and such," he said.
Stacy says the simple act of bonding with an animal has shown to have positive benefits. The community agrees and had a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the stables to kick-off the season.
To volunteer time or learn more about this program, click here.
