Posted on Sun, Apr. 13, 2008

You need to know about CKRH

RIDING PROGRAM NEEDS HELP TO FINISH FACILITY

By Merlene Davis

HERALD-LEADER COLUMNIST

DAVID PERRY | STAFF

Project superintendent Brett Sampson surveyed the new CKRH indoor riding ring at the Kentucky Horse Park on Thursday. Photo by David Perry | Staff

"People don't know we are here until they need us," said Pat Kline, executive director of Central Kentucky Riding for Hope.

I think that should change.

CKRH, located at the Kentucky Horse Park, is a 27-year-old program that uses horses and horseback riding to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and build self-confidence in children and adults who have physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs.

CKRH is a non-profit program that helps mentally and physically challenged children and adults discover their maximum potential through equine therapy, according to Alison Pope, one of 280 active CKRH volunteers.

"The movement of the horse mimics walking for humans," Pope said. "It trains their (the riders') muscles and it is good for self-esteem. There is a sixth sense, a magic with the horses. There is some kind of connection, and it works."

The reason we, who don't need the services of CKRH or who don't volunteer at the program, need to know it exists is because it needs us.

After operating out of a barn for nearly three decades, CKRH is building, a little at a time, a new facility that is well on its way to being a new home.

Kline couldn't contain her joy as she took photographer David Perry and me through the unfinished building that has offices, conference and instructional rooms, observation areas, 20 stalls and a lot of storage rooms for tack and feed, and even a washroom for volunteers who might decide to leave the muck there.

But what thrilled her the most was an indoor arena that could nearly double the hours children with autism or cerebral palsy can feel as though they are masters of their universe. Now, therapy sessions, which are held in an outdoor arena, are at the mercy of the weather and daylight hours. The sessions stop in November, and many clients lose what progress they have made.

The new facility will have an outdoor arena as well, along with a "great sensory trail that will include a wooded area, a pond, shade and breezes," Kline said.

However, the new facility, despite CKRH having about $600,000 on hand or in pledges, still needs about $1.8 million more to open its doors, said board treasurer David Beck. The total cost will be about $3.9 million.

So, the board is inviting current supporters and new ones to "The Final Furlong," a gathering for cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres at the new facility from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday. They want to show it off, tell you what's still needed and then ask for your help.

The organization is funded through donations and gifts from individuals, businesses and the horse industry.

But, so you won't be confused, please understand that CKRH is more than a riding program for the physically, mentally and emotionally challenged, Kline said.

"This is not a recreation program," she said. "Kids have a great time here, but that's a side benefit."

CKRH is accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). It is one of 694 such facilities nationwide.

The 12 certified or licensed instructors, 24 equine therapists, and trained volunteers provide summer camps for Shriner's Hospital patients, Hospice of the Bluegrass bereavement retreats, and equine-assisted learning for special education students in the public school system, including a non-mounted pilot program for special education at Huntertown Elementary School in third, fourth and fifth grades.

More than 1,500 riders from six Central Kentucky counties have been served. In 2007 alone, the program worked with 279 clients in activities such as horsemanship, therapeutic riding and driving, an equine-assisted preschool program, life skills and retreats.

Seven sessions with one of the 21 horses costs $150. Tuition for the sessions amount to about 15 percent of the organization's total revenues.

"They really cost us about $2,000," Kline said. "But we don't turn anyone away because of money. We'll look around for a scholarship."

Most of the participants are children, Kline said, but because some riders have been with the program for 10 years and more, the number of adults is increasing.

The disabilities served include attention deficit disorder, Down syndrome, head and brain injury, hearing or visual impairment, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation, spina bifida and stroke.

With all that going on, CKRH needs a bigger facility.

Follow the signs Tuesday deep into the Horse Park, and make sure you take your checkbook. If you have anything left after paying Uncle Sam for 2007, this is a worthy cause. And you can take if off your taxes for 2008.