Health care
BY AUBREY HOWELL
Several programs are available for clients.
Programs are available to clients ages 2 and up.
The therapeutic horsemanship nonpro t serves about 500 clients annually.
PHOTOS COURTESY REINING STRENGTH
Reining Strength o ers equine-assisted services
After growing up going to Special Olympics events with her uncle David, who was one of the rst athletes in the state of Texas, Heather Hernandez Sedillo said it was a natural t for her family to help people with special needs. When she was working at Texas Tech University, Sedillo said she was ready to return home to Fort Bend County so she started talking with her parents about starting Reining Strength Therapeutic Horse- manship, which came to fruition in 2014. “I had a fascination in college and I really got interested in the therapeutic value of the relation- ship with humans and horses and how that can be healing both physically and emotionally,” said Sedillo, who serves as executive director. Since its inception, the nonpro t has grown to 20 horses on their equine sta , ranging from miniature horses to a big draft. What they o er The nonpro t provides therapeutic horseman- ship programs for individuals ages 2 and up with conditions like anxiety, autism, down syndrome, multiple sclerosis or post traumatic stress disorder aimed at providing physical, psychological and social bene ts. This program is also available to veterans at no cost. Riders can also participate in the organization’s show team which partakes in di erent shows for equestrians with disabilities including the Fort Worth Stock Show, Houston Rodeo, Special
Olympics and the Fort Bend County Fair. Additionally, the nonpro t has an equine-assisted learning program, which primarily serves individ- uals with mental health needs. The organization partners with peer nonpro ts as well as corporate organizations to help participants develop life skills related to behavior, personal growth, emotion reg- ulation or professional pursuits such as leadership communication and team building. Why it matters Sedillo said addressing client’s conditions is not a one-size- ts-all approach which is why each plan is tailored to their speci c needs ultimately hoping to help bene t client’s long term goals. The nonpro t has seen many patients overcome all obstacles by saying their rst words or taking their rst steps, she said. “It’s not just a pony ride—there’s scienti c reasoning as to how horses help humans and we’re getting more and more research every day about the bene ts,” Sedillo said. Get involved The organization is supported by over 200 volun- teer spots a week to help with tasks such as side- walking, leading horse, prep, o ce administration and special events, Sedillo said. Volunteers must be 14 years or older and pass a background check but no horse experience is required. Interested parties should complete an online application and sign up for a volunteer orientation.
Volunteers are essential for weekly programming.
Riders can participate on a show team.
359
723
FOSTER CREEK DR.
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7126 FM 359, Richmond www.reiningstrength.org
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SUGAR LAND MISSOURI CITY EDITION
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