In a typical week, 250-plus volunteers walk through doors of Equine-Assisted Therapy, a charity that provides a unique therapy form through horses for people with different abilities. Located in Wildwood at 3369 Highway 109, the EAT group recently celebrated the organization's 20th anniversary.
During each participant's session, EAT volunteers strive to improve the quality of life and health for people dealing with mental, physical, social and cognitive challenges through therapeutic activities with horses. EAT Executive Director Lulu Bogolin says the program relies on volunteers in every aspect and "couldn't exist without their support, dedication and abilities."
"Each act of kindness within this program, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect that's felt for generations," she adds, indicating an average of 150-165 participants are served weekly.
Ginni Hartke founded EAT and held the first equine therapy class during 2004. The organization then grew to establish a second, seasonal location at Longview Farm Park in Town & Country.
Lulu reminds EAT is strictly a therapy barn, with no private boarding or public lessons. She became the director of EAT during January 2019 after Ginni retired. Lulu says she began learning the rewards of equine interactions after she and her daughter, Katie, took riding lessons together. Her family relocated to Wildwood so they could have horses on their property. She says after volunteering with EAT at the Town & Country location, she was especially convinced of the program's benefits when she enrolled her son in the program due to sensory processing factors.
"The program changed his life, and it improved our family's life," she recalls.
Lulu eventually became a certified instructor and discovered she was interested in doing more with EAT. She says there are now 16 certified instructors and a core group of team professionals, including a doctor of physical therapy, a speech pathologist and a licensed professional counselor.
"To commemorate the 20th anniversary, we're thrilled to launch new EAT apparel with a special hat and shirt. Every form of support helps, and we're truly grateful for all the people who support this special place," says Lulu.
A maximum of three volunteers per rider typically are sought for EAT activities. No prior knowledge of horses is required. EAT volunteers receive necessary training, and complete a background checking process. Weekly emails enable EAT volunteers to determine which times mesh with their personal schedules.
To volunteer in a riders' class, one must be able-bodied and make a regular commitment, even if it’s only an hour a week. Some volunteers help in other ways, such as event support and maintenance. Individuals who are 14 years or older can assist riders and work directly with the horses.
Others wishing to support this cause can attend or sponsor the group's Hoedown For Hope annual fundraiser Sept. 28 at the Wildwood barn.
Additionally, the group's Sponsor-A-Horse program allows supporters to finance the living expenses of one of EAT's therapy horses or donkeys for a period of time. Lulu says they spend more than $100,000 a year on the care of the therapy animals, including feed, hay, supplements, hoof trims/horse shoes, chiropractic treatment and veterinary care.
314.971.0605
EATTherapy.org
"Ginni's goal was to promote the healing power of horses."