February Notes & News

Diane Abitz, Executive Director

Stable Hands will have a new schedule for our first session in 2010.  We will have classes on Thursday evenings, May 22nd through June 24th. There will

 be a 6:00 and 7:15 class.  This change offers a unique opportunity for more people to be involved and it won't be cold!  Also, due to a back injury 

(not horse related)  our instructor Laurie will be on an extended leave of absence from the program.  We wish her a speedy recovery.  We are grateful for the 5 years of service Laurie has given to the program, her expertise and her friendship.   

We welcome new instructor-in-training Jeanie Carlson!  Jeanie and her husband Earl own the property that Stable Hands operates on (click on Briarwood Acres tab above).  Jeanie gives riding lessons and is a horse trainer as well.  She will also be taking a course to become a certified driving instructor- horse and cart.  This will add another level of equine assisted activity to our program.  

A special "Thank You" goes out to Yvonne Quirk, student of Cardinal Stritch University.  Yvonne contacted me asking if there was a project she could do for Stable Hands as part of an assignment for school.  We worked out a project for her that involved doing a survey with our students and families to find out how we are doing as a program.  I set up the questions she could ask and got permission for her to call.  The outcome was not only beneficial for Yvonne- who gained a true perspective of what equine therapy can do, but also provided valuable information for us.  We are indeed grateful.  Yvonne also wants to become a volunteer in the program now so we are happy that she will be joining our Stable Hands family.

In Memory of Jewel 

The end of January was rough for me, I lost my wonderful 12 1/2 year old Yorkie "Jewel" to kidney failure.  She was a great little dog and I miss her so much.  I will always have wonderful memories of her. She was a gift to me from our Stable Hands' long time student Angie.  Angie- thanks for giving me one of the best gifts I ever had.

Jewel

The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding & Equine Assisted Activities     Aaron & Max           Fall Class 2 lesson        "Around the World" is a favorite exercise on horseback encouraging balance and coordination       Therapeutic horsemanship gives both physical and mental benefits to the special needs person. The slow, rocking movement of the horse stimulates nerves and muscles and helps with balance. Brushing the horse and other activities builds confidence and forms a unique bond between animal and human. Our riding lessons include teaching the rider the necessary skills and techniques required to ride a horse as independently as possible.     A sense of accomplishment shows on the rider's faces as they are encouraged to participate in specialized games and activities - not only beneficial but fun!   Stable Hands is hosted by Jeanie & Earl Carlson of  Briarwood Acres.   Lessons are a cooperative effort between instructors, staff, volunteers and horses.   Anna on "Elphie" Eve Stable "Guard-llama" Come on in, I'll show you around!       Our Membership    Stable Hands is a program member of NARHA, Inc.  which provides the guidelines and safety standards of our program. (NARHA) serves a membership of 5,500 individuals and over 730 NARHA programs around the country. More than 5000 specially screened and trained horses make safe interactions possible.

    Mailing address:

Diane Abitz

Executive Director/Program Director

3501 Swan Ave.,Wausau, WI 54401

715-359-6046

dabitz@charter.net     

 (please include phone number with  email inquiry)