A Matter of Perspective
Through the eyes of a child, life is full of wonder and adventure. When diagnosed with cancer, their world is turned upside down.
Life is no longer filled with simple everyday family activities. Instead, it turns to: tumors, chemotherapy, scans, spinal taps and an uncertain prognosis - only a few of the ordeals of coping with cancer.
Horses for Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on a simple mission. Our program offers children with cancer (and their families) a day away, to help them take their minds off their illness and the side effects related to treatment.
Our activities are aimed to enhance self-esteem and share the wonder that being around horses can bring.
Horses for Hope has trained volunteers, certified instructors and medical staff on hand. Our Hope Herd includes gentle horses which complete the team that provides a safe, educational and enjoyable experience on the trail or in the arena.
Our horses are special. They are chosen for their personality and temperament. We train them to be kind, gentle and willing, which makes them the ideal mounts for the beginning rider.
Horses for Hope is located in Mid-Michigan with a goal of reaching as many families as possible. We have programs that run year long and an annual celebration for our guests on site.
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Introducing Basic Training for the Equestrian
The Instructor
Our lesson program is taught by Linda Weirauch, a certified ARIA riding instructor and a registered nurse. Linda has been riding for over 22 years and has shown competitively in hunt seat, western, showmanship and trail ride disciplines. She has been teaching for 20 years. She and her husband, Greg, also sponsor competitive trail rides as fundraisers for the Horses for Hope Program.
Lessons from the Ground Up
Each student learns from the ground up, with safety as the main focus of all lessons. The first session starts with an instructor's evaluation of the student's experience and ability. The lesson plan is developed from that point and each following session builds off the previous lesson. Each student progresses at their own rate and gains confidence by building their skills. Advancement to more difficult skills or gaits depend on the instructor's assessment of the student's ability to control their horse consistently.
Lessons are available to riders ages 5 years to adult. Each lesson is in groups of 2 or 3 horses maximum, depending on ability. Most lessons are scheduled for 60 minutes to allow time to groom and tack up the horse. Students are expected to groom their assigned horse before they ride at each lesson. Basic Horsemanship topics taught include: horse safety, groundwork, grooming, posture, balance, movement, horse anatomy, breed identification, parts of the saddle and much more!
Horses for Hope Lessons
Through the Horses for Hope Program, Linda offers riding lessons to children afflicted with cancer - free of charge! Children can be newly diagnosed, in remission, or fully recovered from their illness. If you know of a child who could benefit from this free program, please do not hesitate to contact Horses for Hope!