|
ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION
The Best of Friends program (a volunteer non-profit group) provides therapeutic riding for handicapped persons in the Cambria County (and now Somerset County) area.
Sister Michele Brophy of the Sisters of Mercy started the Best of Friends program in the spring of 1983. She had the help of a small group of people (namely Cathy Homer, Karen Stickler and Audrey Krumenacher). The program was specifically for therapeutic horseback riding for handicapped persons and was called The Best of Freinds. Karen Stickler and her husband Morgan purchased a spotted Appaloosa horse in honor of Sister Michele's 50th year in religious service. He was officially named "Brophy's Job" and provided countless rides for many students over the years. He is currently living quietly in retirement.
The program was and continues to be staffed by unpaid volunteers. Initially the program was located in Nicktown, PA at the Triple R Ranch. In 1990, due to the sale of the Triple R Ranch, the program moved to Rose Hill Stables in Mineral Point, PA. Again, due to the sale of Rose Hill in 2007, the program has moved. We are now located at CurtItsy Acres Morgan Farm, Inc., 1180 Ridge Road in Hooversville, PA.
From 1983 to 1988 the program operated totally free of charge to the riders. However, in 1988 because of the rising costs for equipment, vet fees, boarding expenses and food for the horses, it was necessary to charge a modest $10 per riding session per student. Currently, we ask, if possible for a donation from students of approximately $10-$50 per riding session or whatever they can afford to help with the various expenses of operating such a program. The program, however, has generally survived because of private contributions through the years.
Best of Friends was for 25 years a 4-H club, but due to insurance concerns has left that organization as of 2008. Best of friends is, however, a member of the Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanshi. Best of Friends is made up of a Board of Directors with one member being named as President of the Board. There is also an executive director who takes care of the program scheduling and activities, volunteer coordinator, recording secretary for meetings and a treasurer. There are at least four meetings held annually throughout the year at Curtitsy Acres in Hooversville, PA. The various by-laws for the organization were established in October 1984 and continue as modified to accommodate the various program changes through today.
Historically the program was offered for 10 weeks from June through August and prior to last year was limited to 24 students due to the lack of enough horses to do additonal riding. However, in 2007, a change was made in that the program monies collected did not cacilitate enough funds or horses to adequately continue the program. In order to be able to continue the program, when funds from the students and fundraisers do not cover the cost of the horses, the horses are paid for by private contributions. Through this change we were able to extend the program to have participation of additional students. In the current 2012 session we anticipate over 30 students participating in the program.
We hope now to be able to provide this service for as many handicapped individuals as are interested in participating. Last year, and currently this year, we have 11 horses which are part of the program. (See "Our Horses" tab). Additionally, we have expanded the program and offer it on several days and for an additional 20 week period.
ORGANIZATIONAL MAKE-UP
Best of Friends is made up of a Board of Directors of 9 volunteers who meet at least 4 times a year, currently 1 instructor; approximately 30 students in one phase of its therapeutic program and approximately 20 students through its participation with Hiram G. Andrews to provide recreational and therapeutic riding. Additionally, Best of Friends has 45 very dedicated volunteers who participate either on a weekly or as needed basis.
Accomplishments
Finally, the Best of Friends program has through its 28 year history provided not only therapeutic riding which include physical and psychological benefits for its various students over the years, it has also provided a rewarding and learning experience for its many volunteers. Often times the volunteers in the program have not been exposed to various handicaps and their affects on people. It provides a forum for non-challenged people to find out how special handicapped individuals truly are and how they bravely deal with their various handicaps on a daily basis. Additionally there are numerous voulunteers who have not had the opportunity to work with or be around horses. The special training that these horses receive help people to see how helpful these animals can be for people with disabilities. It also seems to be therapeutic for the volunteers as well!! Proudly this program helps to bring the best of people and the best of horses together to do a very rewarding service.
|
|
