Valley Business FRONT, Issue 143, August 2020

PERSPECTIVES Horses inspiring hope Under the “Staff” tab on the Healing Strides of Virginia website (healingstridesofva.org) two options drop down: Horses, People. That’s not just cute—it’s telling. The message is clear: our horses are “therapists” and ready to serve in the highest capacity, just like our human staff. Located on a 22-acre site just north of Boones Mill, Healing Strides of VA (HSVA) is a 28-year-old nonprofit organization that utilizes a herd of horses, professional staff, certified instructors, and trained volunteers to provide equine-assisted activities, therapeutic riding, psychotherapy, hippotherapy, and other mental health, educational and coaching programs. HSVA staff has reported a significant uptick in requests for their services from people dealing with anxiety and depression during the pandemic. A horse “meets people where they are” says CEO Carol Young; and by capitalizing on what the website describes as “the incredible power of the horse” participant riders get relief in a most positive experience.

Good Work Executive Summary: Called “my haven” by one participant, Healing Strides of Virginia uses horses to improve the mental state and overall well-being.

“We support the community with its needs; such as adding a fall day camp for children who need a safe place to be,” says Young. “Our mission is to provide wellness for people with personal challenges. I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty much everyone I know. Especially right now.” To say there are a lot of smiles happening at the Healing Strides of VA ranch is no overstatement. You can lighten your load on the back of a horse. At the end of July, the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting at Healing Strides to note the recent upgrades. You can find out more about HSVA at the website, Facebook page, or calling 540-334-5825. And on August 12, a production by Buzz4good.com in collaboration with AAF Roanoke ad club, will air a special episode on the organization at 7pm on Blue Ridge PBS television.

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