Equine Assisted Therapy Programs
MSU Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Programs promote therapeutic riding experiences through educational and research-based activities. The program has earned premier accreditation status through PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). The main goal of the programs are to develop model therapeutic riding experiences based on PATH Intl. guidelines, which require high safety and professional standards. The primary location of the MSU Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Programs is the Elizabeth A. Howard arena (1769 Old White Rd S, West Point, MS 39773). The arena was donated by Tommy and Brenda Howard, and it is on property donated by Jimmy Bryan.
4-H and Equine-Assisted Therapy Programs Work Together
Regardless of ability, all people desire and deserve challenging, fulfilling lives. Equine-assisted therapy programs focus on the individual’s abilities rather than his or her disabilities. 4-H recognizes this philosophy and promotes it in its programming. The mission of 4-H is to help youth acquire knowledge, develop life skills, and form attitudes that will enable them to become self-directed, productive, contributing members of society. The 4-H ideals are represented in the mission of the MSU Extension Equine Assisted Therapy Programs.
Publications
News
WEST POINT, Miss. -- The groundwork portion of therapeutic horseback riding offers emotional and mental benefits to veterans who take part in a program at Mississippi State University.
Lance McElhenney of Webster County served in the U.S. Marine Corps around the world. Injured by a mortar fragment in Iraq in 2004, this Purple Heart veteran now fights a different battle -- with multiple sclerosis. One of his weapons is an old horse he named Archie, for Archibald Henderson, the grand old man of the Marine Corps.
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Therapeutic horseback riding is about much more than physical therapy.
Cassie Brunson, coordinator of the Mississippi State University Extension Service Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center, said participants first come to the program for the exercise, but they stay for the relationships.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Riders involved in the Mississippi State University therapeutic riding program will demonstrate their skills in a special event April 19 at the Mississippi Horse Park.
About 46 riders will take part in the second annual Therapeutic Riding Expo, which begins at 6 p.m. The horse park is south of Starkville at 869 East Poorhouse Road. The event is free and open to the public.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- About 40 riders involved in Mississippi State University’s therapeutic riding program will exhibit their skills in a special event at 6 p.m. April 14.
Cassie Brunson, coordinator of the MSU Extension Service Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center, is planning this first-ever exhibition to showcase riders and volunteers. The program will take place south of Starkville at the Mississippi Horse Park, located at 869 East Poorhouse Road.
Success Stories
In this "What's New in Extension," Extension agents implement better safety standards, train to deliver Mental Health First Aid, and receive national recognition. Also, new irrigation and specialists join the Extension family.
