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The Stable Scoop: Stories From Stable Friendships
Your Monthly Dose of Healing, Hope, and Horses
Stable Friendships Foundation
November 08, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Founder Spotlight: Jessica Falco | Nic or Neigh Highlights | Partnering with the APTA
Stable Smiles: ❤️ Meet Ryler
What seems like a simple task—removing a curler from a horse’s mane—requires patience, strength, and focus, especially when it’s part of a physical therapy journey with equine movement involved!
Fun fact: Ryler’s awesome dad, Erik, is one of our founding board members!
Each small victory, like today’s, reminds us that progress is made one step at a time. Let Ryler’s dedication inspire you to keep moving forward, no matter the challenge.
Our News
Founder Spotlight: Meet Jessica !
This month, we’re thrilled to highlight Jessica Falco, one of our dedicated founders. Here, Jessica shares her inspiration for starting Stable Friendships Foundation and the impact she hopes to make.
1. What inspired you to start Stable Friendships Foundation, and what were your initial goals?
The inspiration came from seeing the profound impact our equine friends have on individuals physically, mentally, and emotionally. I noticed that patients, families, and volunteers alike were seeking a safe space to connect—not only with horses but with each other. My initial goal was to create a platform for building these meaningful connections, offering support for people of all abilities to cultivate friendships, physical strength, mental wellness, and community.
2. Why is the mission of the foundation so important to you?
This mission is personal to me. I know firsthand how crucial it is to have a supportive network and the healing power horses can bring. Friendships—animal and human—are essential for health and resilience, especially during life’s challenges.
3. What has been the most rewarding part of leading this organization?
The most rewarding part has been witnessing growth and transformation within our community. The gratitude from patients and families is a constant reminder of our impact. It’s an honor to help create life-changing connections between horses and people.
Jessica and Jacob spending quality time with the goats during a speech therapy session.
Trivia Time
What is the term for a horse’s fastest gait?
A) Canter
B) Trot
C) Gallop
D) Walk
* Scroll to the very bottom for the answer *
🎃Nic or Neigh Highlights! 🎃
Our first-ever Halloween event was a spook-tacular success! We crafted an allergy-friendly celebration filled with pumpkin painting, spooky-goodie bag decorating, and, of course, quality time with our sweet ponies. It was heartwarming to see so many smiles, creative costumes, and joyful moments throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this event unforgettable. We’re already looking forward to making more memories at Nic or Neigh 2024!
Our Physical Therapy Founder, Melissa, getting ready to speak about the impacts of equine movement to fellow therapists.
Partnering up with the APTA
In celebration of Physical Therapy Month last October, our founding physical therapist teamed up with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) to discuss the powerful impact of hippotherapy. The first presentation took place in New Hampshire and will be followed by a second event in Massachusetts this November. Our goal is to make these presentations accessible to everyone as part of our ongoing commitment to educating others on the incredible role horses can play in medical and therapeutic settings.
Stay tuned for next month’s newsletter to find out how you can access these fun and educational talks!
Ways to Support Us
Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about the healing power of horsemanship by sharing our mission with your friends, family, and social media networks. GUESS WHAT?! You can use the icons at the top of this email to seamlessly share our content via email, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Together, let’s amplify our message and make a lasting difference!
Volunteer with us : We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to join our team. Whether you have experience with horses or prefer to support us in other ways, there are positions available for everyone
Online Donations : Your financial support helps us maintain our programs and reach more individuals in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact.
Saddle up with our New Merchandise: We’re thrilled to offer official Stable Friendships Foundation merchandise through Bonfire! Each purchase supports our mission, with proceeds going directly back to our programs. Shop now and wear your support with pride!
Trivia Answer:
Answer: C) Gallop
The gallop is a horse’s fastest gait, reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour! Although our therapy sessions are mostly held at the walk or trot levels, this speedier gait shows the incredible range of movement horses are capable of, making them such unique partners in therapy.