Hoofbeats is a therapeutic riding facility located at the rear of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation (VHCF) property. They offer comprehensive riding and equine programs for the mentally and physically disabled as well as for veterans and the community. Hoofbeats is a member of the Virginia Therapeutic Riding Association and boasts instructors certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
The program is lovingly run by Carol Branscome and her right-hand instructors, Maria Pennine and Jill Dawson. Each of these special women bring years of experience and, most importantly, the unique characteristic of being compassionate and dedicated educators. Riding lessons are offered in three sessions during the year: April 3- May 26, June 5-July 28, and August 11-October 1. The lesson schedule runs in line with a number of competition opportunities, trail rides, and the ever-popular Dinner Theater programs that offer students the opportunity to show off their hard work.You can see 2012's full calendar here.
Debbie Work, the Hoofbeats Board President and VHCF staffer, runs the Hear the Beat Horse Show series which serve as tri-annual fundraisers for the program. She has seen a steady increase in participation in these shows designed to give local competitors a chance to compete in a friendly, teaching-focused show. The May "Mothers' Day" show enjoyed 97 horses and 300 people in attendance, making over $6,000 to benefit Hoofbeats. This year, Hoofbeats has added a "YeeHaw" Gymkhana competition to the regular class schedule which was enthusiastically received. This past weekend, the second of the Hear the Beat shows welcomed 70+ horses and nearly 200 people. The American Competitive Trail Horse Association's trail riding workshops and competition, also a fundraiser for Hoofbeats, is scheduled for June 23 on the VHCF's beautiful cross country course. This successful event often brings in $5,000+ for the program. A final Hear the Beat show is scheduled for September 9. More information on these shows can be found on the VHCF website under Events.
Hoofbeats provides critical skill and confidence building to our special needs community. Therapeutic horseback riding is a unique discipline that brings together people with disabilities, horses, riding instructors, teachers, therapists, physicians, and volunteers – all with one goal – to enhance the quality of life of the participants. The particular goals and the approaches used to achieve these goals will differ according to the client's specific disability, injury, or illness. Physical, mental, social, educational, and behavioral objectives may be incorporated into lesson plans to help the specific needs of Hoofbeats students.
Hoofbeats' facilities include a 10-stall barn, and a large outdoor dressage arena, with a handicapped-friendly mounting ramp, and bleacher seating for spectators. The VHCF's riding trails, and Hoofbeats new Sensory Trail, are within easy reach, affording students the added opportunity to experience riding outside the ring. Four paddocks with run-in sheds provide turn-out for the horses. The barn’s climate-controlled wing houses the Hoofbeats office, kitchen, handicapped accessible bathrooms, a reception area, and a classroom/meeting room (which can be made available for use by outside groups.)
Make time to participate in a benefit horse show, volunteer through Hoofbeats, or just take the time to read more about the organization and spread the word.
Hoofbeats and the VHCF want to say a huge THANK YOU to all those that make these services possible.
