Annual Report Celebrating the Past, Honoring the Present, and Embracing the Future. Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas, Inc.

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1 Annual Report 2016 Celebrating the Past, Honoring the Present, Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas, Inc. and Embracing the Future.

Executive Report Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas, Inc.

With seven certified instructors, four licensed therapists, 60 program volunteers who come weekly, and 21 therapy horses; our participants experience a weekly therapeutic activity that improves daily

In 2016, the support of our community enabled us to provide 86 participants the ability to participate in our EAAT programs from September through June; once a week, each week.

2 Executive Report Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas, Inc. continues to be a community that offers a peace-filled place of laughter, life lessons, and personal improvements for everyone who participates in our programs. With seven certified instructors, four licensed therapists, 60 program volunteers who come weekly, and 21 therapy horses; our participants experience a weekly therapeutic activity that improves daily function; leading to happier, healthier lives. In 2016, the support of our community enabled us to provide 86 participants the ability to participate in our EAAT programs from September through June; once a week, each week. Dawn Martin Executive Director This year our board of directors and staff successfully transitioned from Windridge s founder and first executive director to a new executive director, whom was a veteran employee. A few of things we accomplished in 2016 were: Maintaining a debt free EAAT operation Achieving financial success with our two annual fundraising efforts, Horse & Rider/ Open House and our Fall Challenge Grant And, increased our program participant numbers by 15% Windridge is a leader in the therapeutic horsemanship industry and continues to achieve a high standard of program quality and equine management. As with the past twenty-eight years, we anticipate the need for Windridge s services to continue as therapeutic riding is increasingly viewed as a valuable form of activities and therapies to serve individuals of all ages and with countless mental, emotional, and/or physical disabilities. Windridge will continue to identify the most efficient way to maintain our amazing facility for participants and their families for years to come. We are all looking forward to this upcoming year. As we look to strengthening ourselves as a staff and in turn progressing our equine s ability to benefit our participants through an increase in beneficial movemnt and their interaction with the humans on Windridge s property and with our participants on an emotional level. The coming year is a new start to the great programs Windridge has been providing since Windridge s board of directors, staff, participants and their families, continue to be humbled by the generous support given to Windridge to assist us in making our our mission to serve children and adults with a disability through equine-assisted activity and therapy programs a reality. We welcome each and every one of you to stop by our facility anytime and meet our dedicated staff, volunteers, horses, and accomplished riders. In June 2016, our founder and first Executive Director retired from Windridge. In preparation for that to happen Windridge s board of directors began diligently searching for the next person to lead Windridge into its future. After many months of searching and deliberation Margo s successor was chosen. Leadership Transition So, on April 2, 2016, Dawn Martin, one of Windridge s beloved current staff members was presented to the community as the next Executive Director of Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center and as the individual charged with bringing Windridge into its future of providing exeptional equine-assisted programs to the East Texas Area.

Mission Windridge strives to enhance the quality of life for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities through equine-assisted activities and therapy programs and to impact the therapeutic

About Windridge Established in 1988, Windridge is a Premier Accredited Member Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Intl.).

3 Mission Windridge strives to enhance the quality of life for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities through equine-assisted activities and therapy programs and to impact the therapeutic horsemanship industry regionally and nationally in areas of science and education. About Windridge Established in 1988, Windridge is a Premier Accredited Member Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH, Intl.). The main focus of Windridge is to enhance the quality of life, provide life skill development, and improve communication and social skills for individuals with mental, emotional, and/or physical disabilities through equine-assisted activity and therapy programs. Other focuses at Windridge are to provide excellent education for instructors-in-training, college students, and Windridge personnel including: staff, volunteers, and equines. The success seen at Windridge is achieved through Windridge personnel working closely with specially trained equines to provide our highly sought therapeutic equestrian programs. Jim McClain Stewart Green Randy Monk Phyllis Winn Daryl Atkinson Brenda Buck Larry Courington Russell Fisher Margo Dewkett Dawn Martin Charlynn Bradford Sarah Rollish Casie Buck Debbie Dewkett Chris Stow Emily Goldman Shane Putnam Kirsten Allums Board of Directors Members S t a ff President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Roy James Bill Plunkett Kyle Stephens Crystal Thornton Executive Director (Jan. - June) Master Instructor/Driving Instructor Executive Director (July - Dec.) Advanced Instructor/Driving Instructor Program Director Advanced Instructor Program Assistant Registered Instructor Development Director Registered Instructor Volunteer Coordinator Registered Instructor Technology Manager Registered Instructor/Driving Instructor Equine Care Manager Instructor-In-Training Facility Manager Equine Manager Assistant Financial Summary Fiscal year: November 1, October 31, 2016 Revenue Individual donations Special Events (Horse & Rider) Foundation Grant State and Federal Grants Civic Organizations Corporate Donations Program Fees Textbook Sales Miscellaneous Income Interest Income Donors 654 individuals 83 corporations 27 civic groups 25 foundations Expenses Programs General & Administrative Fundraising Promotional Items Textbook Miscellaneous $95, $101, $53, $0.00 $17, $16, $44, $17, $12, $1, Total Revenue: $360, $455, $36, $1, $5, $11, $5, Total Expenses: $515, ** Thanks to the countless hours of planning performed by Windridge s leadership we are still debt free and have funds in reserve for times of decreased revenue.

Program Participants Per Program Programs Age Groups Served by Windridge s Programs Windridge provided 48.

Therapeutic Riding Windridge s therapeutic riding program provides an innovative form of therapy while teaching equestrian skills.

The development of skills improves self-esteem and fosters self-sufficiency while building life and job skills.

disabilities, amputation, spinal cord or severe head injuries. Program participants receive many benefits; joint compression, coordination socialization, and the development of life skills.

The horse is used as a therapy strategy, utilizing position changes, and exercises to promote therapy progress. Riding skills are not focused on during a hippotherapy session.

4 Program Participants Per Program Programs Age Groups Served by Windridge s Programs Windridge provided 48.5 hours of mounted ride times each week during four sessions (fall, winter, spring, and summer) for program participants. Therapeutic Riding Windridge s therapeutic riding program provides an innovative form of therapy while teaching equestrian skills. Program participants learn to groom, tack, lead, and ride their horse. The development of equestrian skills improves a program participant s mobility, thought processes, and communication. The development of skills improves self-esteem and fosters self-sufficiency while building life and job skills. Therapeutic Driving Ethnicities Served Windridge s therapeutic driving program is for those program participants who wish to learn how to drive a horse drawn vehicle; participants with degenerative disabilities, amputation, spinal cord or severe head injuries. Program participants receive many benefits; joint compression, coordination socialization, and the development of life skills. Hippotherapy Windridge s hippotherapy program is a collaboration between Kidz First Therapy and Windridge s certified instructors and is always conducted with the direct input of a therapist. The horse is used as a therapy strategy, utilizing position changes, and exercises to promote therapy progress. Riding skills are not focused on during a hippotherapy session. Program Participants Per County Disabilities Served Windridge serves individuals from 13 different counties In 2016, Windridge served individuals with 61 different around its location. disabilities that range from sensory, mental, and physical disabilities. Top 5 disabilities Served Autism Cerebral Palsy ADHD Developmental Delay Sensory Impairment Gregg Upshur Harrison Rusk Titus Smith Cass Other 56% 16% 9% 4% 4% 3% 2% 6% ** Program stats are based on 86 unduplicated individuals who received equine-assisted activity and therapy programs during 2016.

Volunteer Program Windridge s volunteer program focuses on providing opportunities for volunteerism

As each volunteer works with Windridge s instructors, they are progressed through a three level

Each level represents a skill and knowledge base that ensures their ability to assist therapeutic

Every job performed by a volunteer at Windridge is a blessing and greatly appreciated.

Our dedicated volunteers provided 4,088.

and assisting during class times, but volunteers also assist Windridge with major projects and safety

5 Volunteer Program Windridge s volunteer program focuses on providing opportunities for volunteerism and community service for adults and youth. As each volunteer works with Windridge s instructors, they are progressed through a three level system of volunteering. Each level represents a skill and knowledge base that ensures their ability to assist therapeutic riding and driving instructors in conducting safe, effective, and thera- peutic programs for each program participant. Volunteers can assist before and during class times by grooming and tacking horses, sidewalking, spotting, and leading. Other volunteers use their talents to assist on paint projects, maintenance, and cleaning. Every job performed by a volunteer at Windridge is a blessing and greatly appreciated. 306 individual volunteers Thank you, volunteers, for your dedication to our programs. Our dedicated volunteers provided 4, hours of volunteer service Volunteers at Windridge not only assisted instructors in preparing for and assisting during class times, but volunteers also assist Windridge with major projects and safety around our facility. Some of the projects completed in 2016 were: New educational cabinets completed Fence welding completed around hay barn New murals for Windridge s indoor arena Cross ties placed in gate openings Flower bed at entrance Butterfly garden plants planted, walkway installed, and upkeep performed Road repair and maintenance Erosion control Facility maintenance Dirt collected and placed in equine stalls Fence lane created in Windridge s five acres for the safety of our horses Welding rig cleaning and prep

Therapeutic and Equine Mastery Program Windridge s Therapeutic and Equine Mastery program provides education to individuals who wish to begin a career in the field of therapeutic horsemanship, as

This includes, but is not limited to, teaching curriculum necessary for instructor certifications, personnel advancement, and horse training.

Nursing and therapy students shadow Kidz First Therapists as they work with their clients and receive valuable interaction time with both clients and therapists.

6 Therapeutic and Equine Mastery Program Windridge s Therapeutic and Equine Mastery program provides education to individuals who wish to begin a career in the field of therapeutic horsemanship, as well as, provides current instructors with continuing education hours towards their current certification. This includes, but is not limited to, teaching curriculum necessary for instructor certifications, personnel advancement, and horse training. Each year Windridge works with local universities and colleges to provide an in the field experience of equine-assisted activities and therapy (EAAT) programs. Nursing and therapy students shadow Kidz First Therapists as they work with their clients and receive valuable interaction time with both clients and therapists. Windridge also provides the opportunity for individuals interested in EAAT to become an intern at Windridge, where they can receive one on one training and first hand experiences in each of Windridge s programs as well as receive class instruction related to there field of study. GaitWay to the Brain Volunteer Training This past year Windridge had the opportunity to have a presentation given by a ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship representative about their new and innovative program called GaitWay to the Brain. This program extends the benefits of therapeutic riding by integrating brain-building exercises into the framework for equine therapy. LSTEN Conference Windridge s staff was able to attend the Region 8 Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International conference held in Tyler, TX. This conference provided education in three different areas of therapeutic horsemanship: disabilities, horses, and center management. Instructors and Windridge s management were able to receive beneficial information from peers in the field and receive new insights into what is happening in the industry. Driving/Long lining Clinic This years driving/long lining clinic gave Windridge s therapeutic riding and driving instructors continuing education hours, as well as, enhanced the skills each individual has and incorporate new ideas that instructors found valuable for their education and their participants. This clinic was attended by staff and several volunteers who received many new techniques that have enhance our programs. Pasture Maintenance This past year Windridge was provided the opportunity to hear from a professional in the Longview area present on pasture maintenance. He came to Windridge s facility and gave specific examples from our fields and looked at how we can continue to be good stewarts of the Windridge fields through pasture care and enrichment so that our fields are able to support our herd of horses for the foreseeable future. This years volunteer training provided equine, disability, and therapeutic horsemanship knowledge to Windridge s volunteers. As our volunteers progress in their knowledge and skills, so can our participants as the volunteers are more equipped to support Windridge s instructors during class times. EAGALA Presentation When looking toward the future and what is in store for the therapeutic horsemanship industry Windridge was provided the opportunity to have an EAGALA treatment team present their format to Windridge s instructors. EAGALA is an association for professionals incorporating horses to address mental health and personal development needs. As PATH, as well as, Windridge looks to the mental health realm of EAAT EAGALA is the forerunner of knowledge and experience. PATH, Intl. National Conference This past year our executive director and program director where both able to attend the PATH, Intl. National Conference. This conference provided a look into the industry as a whole and provided top notch education for all those who attend. Staff Development Each year Windridge strives to enhance the knowledge of its therapeutic riding and driving instructors as they continue to provide services to our participants. This year s staff development started off with a staff member becoming a certified therapeutic riding instructor. As the knowledge and skills of Windridge s instructors and volunteers increases so does the benefits received by our participants. Each instructor is always working towards the advancement of their knowledge and looking towards the future and how they can continually advance their riders.

Therapeutic and Equine Mastery Program Partnership with Panola College Panola College s health science department has partnered with Windridge to provide on the job training

This partnership has provided knowledgeable individuals the opportunity to assist instructors and therapists during class times.

incorporate into their classes for a hands on approach.

This practical application provided opportunities for students to observe and be directly involved with Windridge s particpants providing the therapy students on the job

800 hours of observation and hands on experience was provided to Panola College students.

therapy and nursing students going through school do not get the opportunity to experience before graduation.

their internship Windridge has partnered with: Kilgore College Northeast Texas Community College Panola College The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler Junior College 245

7 Therapeutic and Equine Mastery Program Partnership with Panola College Panola College s health science department has partnered with Windridge to provide on the job training for their graduating occupational therapy assistant (OTA) students. This partnership has provided knowledgeable individuals the opportunity to assist instructors and therapists during class times. After observing participatns for several weeks, students were able to identify the needs of each participant with the instructor or therapists and choose activities to incorporate into their classes for a hands on approach. The students were able to assess and implement their strategy than discuss whether their plan of care was successful or would need adjustments in the future. This practical application provided opportunities for students to observe and be directly involved with Windridge s particpants providing the therapy students on the job examples as they begin their move toward a career as an occupational therpay assistant. 800 hours of observation and hands on experience was provided to Panola College students. Partnerships with Local Colleges and Universities The use of the horse as a therapy strategy for children and adults with disabilities is very unique and something most therapy and nursing students going through school do not get the opportunity to experience before graduation. To provide college students with an experience into what equine-assisted activity and therapy programs are, as well as, provide a location for graduating students to have their internship Windridge has partnered with: Kilgore College Northeast Texas Community College Panola College The University of Texas at Tyler Tyler Junior College 245 observation hours were provided on Hippotherapy days to local college students pursuing a career in nursing, occupational therapy, or physical therapy. The Comprehensive Guide to Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies The long anticipated arrival of a first of its kind textbook for use in the equine-assisted activity and therapy industry has arrived. Margo Dewkett, Windridge s founder, co-authored the textbook and was instrumental in the publication and distribution of the final product. The textbook is currently being utilized by instructors-in-training, at workshops, in universities and colleges as a reference for those who are interested in furthing their knowledge in the therapeutic horsemanship industry.

Mission. History. Healing with Horses Ranch 2015 Annual Report

Mission. History. Healing with Horses Ranch 2015 Annual Report 2015 Annual Report 1 Mission Healing With Horses Ranch is a 501(c)(3) therapeutic riding center focused on providing safe and affordable Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) to individuals with