Horse power helps the disabled

By Leahe Wyatt
special to The Whidbey Examiner

The Whidbey Examiner/STPNS

June 14, 2008

COUPEVILLE, Washington (STPNS) -- Denise Boyett is not unfamiliar with the sight of horses here on Whidbey Island, nor is she unfamiliar with helping those with special needs.

Once a special education para-educator, she is now the executive director of Horsemanship Opportunities for Potential Equestrians - HOPE - a therapeutic horseback riding program.

The program was founded 22 years ago by Langley resident Pat Webb, who was a member of the board until 2007 when she decided to retire.

"Pat saw a need and found a way to fill it" Boyett said of Webb's desire to involve Washington state with the success of equine-assisted activities for people with disabilities. After 14 years of "taking the reins," Boyett has seen a growing interest in the therapy from Renton to Bainbridge Island to the Olympic Peninsula.

HOPE receives all accreditations and safety certifications from The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. The NARHA has been involved with programs like HOPE in the United States since 1969.

Boyett covers everything from arranging activities for the classes to transporting horses from their homes to the two HOPE locations.

"I like to think of myself as the 'executive director extraordinaire,'" she said with a grin.

Once students begin the program, the emphasis is on helping them connect with the horse. The goal of the program is to encourage students not only to alleviate some of their insecurities that often come with disability, but also to build confidence and a skill to take with them throughout their lives. The classes offered through HOPE teach students how to groom as well as ride the horse.

Students involved with the organization have had challenges ranging from autism or Down's syndrome to learning disabilities and emotional trauma such as divorce or a death in the family.

The program has grown steadily, and had 75 registered students in 2007. Students from age three and up may participate.

There are, however some requirements for those seeking to become a part of the classes. Because of the active tasks performed during each session, applicants must have a doctor's release. Each applicant must also complete a rider's assessment, allowing both Boyett, and Miriam Burk, the head instructor, to understand the results both the student and family are looking to accomplish.

HOPE is a nonprofit organization that gets support from fundraisers and grants, as well as donations from businesses and individuals. Volunteers contribute time, providing moral support for the rider and also extra hands around the stables. As many as three volunteers are needed to help with each lesson.

This is Dustin Houston's second year as a volunteer. He said he finds that helping out with the classes is rewarding.

"I enjoy being a side-walker, and encourage anyone who can to volunteer."

Boyett is more than happy to welcome anyone interested in contributing time to the program.

HOPE does not just end its seasons with a handshake and a certificate, but instead allows the riders to put their skills to the test. The students go on trail rides, participate in a rider recognition ceremony, have an end-of-the-year party, and can even take part in horse shows.

One former student took the title of overall champion in a show. Boyett is planning a horse show of her own at the Island County Fairgrounds in Langley in July.

Pairing people with horses has shown to be a successful match for years through HOPE and organizations like it. Burk gives an anecdote of a girl who thrived from the program in 2007.

"She would not talk to anyone when she entered the class. It was not until her second six-week session that she began small talk with her horse, and then the floodgates opened and she started opening up. It was incredible. She came to me as if she had asked me this everyday: "Which horse do I ride today?"

HOPE is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 at the M-Bar-C Ranch in Freeland that includes a poker ride with cash prizes, trail riding and other activities such as horseshoes, games and visiting the wonderful little Western village. Lunch is available for purchase, and at 6 p.m. the ranch hosts an old-fashioned country barbecue, followed by line dance instruction and a live band. Tickets for the dinner and dance are $30.

Free camping is available. At 7 a.m. Sunday, enjoy a a pancake breakfast for $7. At 10 am, riders are invited to enjoy a beach ride. For information, contact Dana Jones at 360-331-6019 or dana@m-bar-c.org.

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