Overherd
News in Our Community In February 2020, the world as we knew it shifted dramatically. As the pandemic spread across the globe, we saw travel restrictions put in place and schools and businesses began to close their doors in an effort to stem the spread of the COVID-19. In March, just weeks from the start of our spring semester, Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center in Middletown closed its doors too, with only essential staff required to care for the horses. The challenges were many for both nonprofit and for-profit equestrian programs, but the most obvious and significant for Manes & Motions was how to continue quality care for our horses with no revenue stream. Silver linings appeared. Manes & Motions is fortunate to be part of the Hospital for Special Care, an acute care rehabilitation hospital located in New Britain. This affiliation proved critical in our ability to continue quality care for our horses during an historically difficult time. And, as winter turned to spring and the prospect of offering limited services seemed possible, we had to address the question of what our re-opening plan would look like. None of us had been through this before, but again, our affiliation with the hospital proved significant as we sought guidance from their Incident Command Team in implementing COVID-19 policies and safeguards. Other valuable support systems also surfaced. The State of Connecticut issued well thought-out guidelines for equestrian programs, which dovetailed well with the hospital’s policies. And, most heartwarming was the tremendous support that came from other professionals in the equine-assisted services industry, with centers from all over the United States sharing policies and documentation to assist each other with safety strategies.
But by far the most poignant was our volunteers reaching out to us, eager to return to serving their riders and help the center in any way possible. I’ll never forget the feeling of joy I experienced the first day we welcomed back our first few riders, volunteers, and staff. Symptoms screening and disinfecting riding equipment may have become our new norm but seeing the smiles behind the face
courtesy of Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center
Silver Linings at a Therapeutic Riding Center During a Pandemic
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center rider Liz Smith on Truman with instructor Janice Anderson and volunteer Shawn Newton.
masks brought a renewed sense of hope that we all so desperately needed. It’s hard to say where we will be in six months or even a year, but I believe we’ve developed a deeper sense of appreciation for each day and each other. For information on our services or volunteering, please contact us at (860) 685-0008 or manesmotions@hfsc.org. Please visit hfsc.org/sports-andfitness/manes-and-motions.
n Jeanna Pellino
H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut’s Events The Humane Organization Representing Suffering Equines (H.O.R.S.E. of Connecticut), now celebrating its 39th year, Community Horse Spring/Summer 2021
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