The Stable Scoop: Stories From Stable Friendships (1)

Your Monthly Dose of Healing, Hope, and Horses

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Stable Friendships Foundation
September 27, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

Meet Melanie: Our First Volunteer | Nic or Neigh | Merchandise Drop!

Stable Smiles: Speech is Action

Watch as our friend engages in a transformative speech therapy session with Patricia. Through the power of movement and a sensory-rich environment, communication comes to life, helping our friends unlock their true potential and flourish.

Our News

Meet Melanie:Our First Volunteer

Melanie holds a special place in the history of Stable Friendships as our very first volunteer who came to us without any prior connection to the founders. While many of our volunteers are family and friends, Melanie joined purely out of her love for horses and her desire to make a difference. Outside of her volunteering, Melanie is also an incredible Pilates instructor, helping others find strength and balance in both body and mind. You can learn more about her work here.

What motivated you to start volunteering with Stable Friendships?

Growing up, I started riding horses at the age of 7, and spending time with them became a calming and stabilizing influence, especially after my parents divorced. The therapeutic effect of grooming and being around horses really helped me through that time. As I got older, I stepped away from riding and the equestrian world. Returning as an adult felt a bit intimidating after being away for so long. However, in recent years, through different life events, I felt a renewed connection to horses and wanted to be part of that space again. Volunteering with Stable Friendships allowed me to re-engage with horses while supporting others in finding the same sense of calm and connection I experienced growing up.

Can you share any memorable experiences you’ve had while volunteering?

When I first started working with Zee, she was very distant and wouldn’t engage with me. It felt a bit like trying to make a new friend in school, and I couldn’t figure out why she didn’t seem to like me. I even started questioning if I was a good fit for volunteering. One day before a session, as I was entering the ring, Melissa sensed my nervousness and suggested that I take a few deep breaths with Zee. That moment changed everything. I realized Zee enjoys taking her time and doesn’t respond well to being rushed. She taught me the power of stillness and how to connect by slowing down. Now, before sessions, Zee often relaxes so much she’ll even fall asleep, showing how far our bond has come.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with the foundation?

Volunteering with the foundation has been such a meaningful addition to my life, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s easy to take things like walking and talking for granted, but seeing the transformation in the kids during sessions is truly inspiring. Whether it's gaining access to speech or moving their bodies in ways they couldn’t before, all thanks to the horses, their progress is remarkable. If you’re considering volunteering, I’d say it’s an incredibly rewarding experience that not only helps others but also enriches your own life in unexpected ways.

Trivia Time

Which ancient civilization is often credited with recognizing the health benefits of horseback riding?

A) Romans
B) Greeks
C) Egyptians
D) Persians

* Scroll to the very bottom for the answer *

Nic or Neigh : An UnSpook-tacular Time

Join us for a fun-filled, sensory-friendly Halloween celebration at Access Equestrian, Inc.! Our Nic or Neigh event offers something for everyone, from trick-or-treat bag decorating to pumpkin decorating, and even a chance to trick-or-treat at our horses’ and goats’ stalls.

To help us plan for the best possible experience, please sign up in advance here. Whether you’re excited to participate in the activities or simply want to enjoy the festive atmosphere, we can’t wait to celebrate with you and your family!

Adult & Children Sizes Available!

Saddle up with our New Merchandise

We’re excited to announce that, after many requests, Stable Friendships Foundation now has official merchandise available! We’ve partnered with Bonfire, a platform designed with fundraising in mind, to bring you high-quality items that support our mission. The best part? A portion of the proceeds from each sale goes directly back to our foundation, helping us continue our work. Bonfire’s model allows us to offer these products without any upfront costs, making it a great option for nonprofits like ours. So, whether you’re looking for a cozy sweatshirt or a stylish tee, you can now wear your support with pride while making a difference!

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’re always looking for dedicated volunteers to join our team. Right now, we’re specifically seeking horse leaders to work directly with our equine partners. 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.

Support Our Mission by Clicking: We’re excited to introduce a new way for you to support our work! When you click on the sponsor ad, 1440 Media, at the bottom of this email, a portion of the proceeds goes directly to helping us continue our programs. It’s an easy way to make a difference—thank you for your support!

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Trivia Answer: The Greeks!  

The ancient Greeks, especially the physician Hippocrates, are often credited with recognizing the health benefits of horseback riding. While there isn't direct evidence that Greek soldiers used horses specifically for recovery, Hippocrates emphasized the importance of exercise for health. This early understanding of movement's benefits laid the groundwork for modern practices like hippotherapy.