Partners for Progress, NFP

Partners For Progress is a non-profit organization that provides unique equine (horse) therapy-based programs for individuals with disabilities. They utilize trained volunteers, quality certified and/or licensed staff, and equine superstars to make Partners For Progress a premier, goal-oriented equine therapy facility. Equine therapy involves activities uniquely designed for people with cognitive, physical, emotional and social disabilities utilizing the horses as the main tool of intervention. Individuals of all ages experience benefits such as increased balance, mobility, normalized muscle tone, coordination, posture, independence, concentration and self-esteem.

PFP utilizes their horses in a variety of ways, such as hippotherapy, vaulting, independent riding, and on the ground activities, among others. Volunteers are needed on a daily basis primarily for leading the horses for groups and sidewalking with the riders.

Although there are many breeds of horses to use, PFP uses quarter horses due to their quiet disposition, and varying sizes. There is only one exception, our Shire, Rupert, who weighs about 1,800 lbs! But don't let his size fool you...he really loves kids! PFP takes great pride in the quality of their horses, and works to maintain their training so they are always in tip top shape.

Along with the everyday programs, PFP also has some show teams. There is the Special Olympics team that travels to the state meet every fall, and the NSBA team which travels regionally to some top AQHA shows, as well as the world show in Tulsa, OK. The program is always changing and could only benefit from having new people join!