We have spoken about “Fund the Vision” and decided we should provide more detail on what that means. There are two parts to this vision, the facility and the programs.
The facility part of our vision is to create a site dedicated to equine assisted activities and therapies. The additional features shown in this design plan include a large indoor arena with observation area, classroom space, therapy rooms, stables for the RVR owned horses, pastures/fences, hay storage building, offices, and living quarters for a caretaker. This facility will provide RVR the opportunity to expand our programming.
RVR is well placed to continue expanding our equine assisted activities and therapies to people with special needs. The Afton location is easily accessed by the Twin Cities metropolitan and western Wisconsin areas which it serves. The equine assisted activities and therapies industry is growing. The benefits of these therapies are becoming increasingly recognized by both medical and mental health professionals. The expanded facilities will enable RVR to accommodate more participants, increasing the offerings of therapeutic riding and carriage driving.
In addition there will be new program opportunities including hippotherapy (with physical therapists, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists), mental health services (with psychologists), veterans’ programs, and equine assisted learning. RVR will also expand our existing partnerships with local schools and create new partnerships with other organizations that provide services for individuals who could benefit from our programs.
RVR has a 20 year history of partnering with local schools. The expanded facilities will allow RVR to increase educational support to the local school districts. RVR’s programs will help the students accomplish goals and objectives in the areas of social skills development, communication, motor strength, fitness and health.
Equine assisted activities and therapies have been shown to be beneficial for people challenged by cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and a variety of mental health issues, such as veterans with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and youth-at-risk. It is easy to understand that many individuals will benefit from the new programs. The outcome of this vision will allow RVR to serve more people. RVR programs will be full-time and year-round. The future of this vision is very exciting! Thank you for your support!