Contact: Addie Vaughn
The accredited therapeutic riding program at Mississippi State University serves special needs riders to increase physical, cognitive and communication skills.
Photo by: Linda Breazeale
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A state horse-owner organization's recent $1,500 gift is helping support operation and outreach activities of the Mississippi State University Extension Service's 4-H Therapeutic Riding and Activity Center.
The Mississippi State Equine Association is an affiliate of the Washington, D.C.-based American Horse Council. A statewide network, MSEA works to improve the quality of life for both animals and riders through education and information programs. One example is the Saddle Up car tag program to help support efforts of similar interest.
President James Raspberry said MSEA has a long tradition of working closely with institutions of higher learning and county boards of supervisors.
"Being a nonprofit organization, we are always looking for new things like TRAC to assist with our contributions," he said.
The Theraputic Riding and Activity Center promotes specialized equine activities designed to provide physical, emotional and psychological benefits to children and adults with disabilities. Applying education- and research-based approaches, the program has earned premier accreditation from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.
Because the Extension-funded program is provided as a free public service, "there are a lot of expenses that come with it," said center coordinator Cassie Brunson.
TRAC is an ongoing partner with the ACCESS program of MSU's Division of Student Affairs. Operated by the division's Student Support Services office, ACCESS is the acronym for academics, campus life, community involvement, employment opportunities, socialization, and self-awareness.
ACCESS staff members work to promote the successful transition of students with intellectual disabilities into higher education. They also provide services to many younger clients through the campus T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability in the College of Education, as well as in local schools and community groups.
Brunson said TRAC continues to grow in popularity, increasing by nearly 40 participants over the past three years. As a result, needs for facility expansion and additional supplies are very pressing, she added.
"The gift from the Mississippi State Equine Association is a huge help for the program as a whole to be able to successfully operate and help the community," Brunson said.
For more about TRAC, visit www.msucares.com/4h_Youth/4htrac, or contact Brunson at 662-325-1718 or cbrunson@humansci.msstate.edu
To contribute to the program, contact Dees Britt, the MSU Extension Service's assistant development director, at 662-325-2837 or dbritt@foundation.msstate.edu.
MSU is Mississippi's flagship research university and is online at www.msstate.edu, facebook.com/msstate, instagram.com/msstate and twitter.com/msstate.