Two weeks have passed and my interest in this therapeutic riding program has deepened considerably. There is a new horse in the rotation and I am getting good experience working with him. He's a Western convert to an English barn, so I feel we that already have a bond...
I have met several of the kids, and could not stop smiling today while talking with them and listening to the many interesting ways in which they interact with the horses and process the aspects of horsemanship that they are learning. One young man that I worked with today is well on his way to riding independently. He has a sharp memory for commands and is learning and remembering more and more subtle ways of cuing his horse. Traffic tie-ups have made getting to and from the barn a continuing challenge, but where there's a will...
I have also suggested to the program's director that I develop a more in-depth fundraising and donation strategy for the company to tap into the large body of philanthropic funds available so close by in NYC. Amongst all those skyscrapers have to be a few corporate entities willing to donate good money to a great cause. There are so many things that horses need to remain healthy and happy, and the financial demands on the therapeutic program just in terms of specialized equipment are significant. I spend enough of my time out and about in NYC that I feel confident I can make some good connections and direct the donation packages and communications for the program. I also plan to try my hand at writing grant proposals, and work to see if we can't extend our reach to state or government bodies.
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