How it works
Individuals ages four and up can submit an application to participate in equine-assisted services such as horseback riding, unmounted activities, obstacles and general horsemanship. The services offered are primarily for people living with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities, in addition to those with mental health challenges.
“They still learn how to ride just like you would at a typical riding facility but we just focus on different things,” Franklin said. “If somebody was coming just to take regular riding lessons it might not be challenging enough for them.”
Horses are sensitive, intuitive animals which provide powerful opportunities for growth, healing and learning, Franklin said.
“Through horseback riding and other equine activities, our program helps to improve things like balance, coordination, focus and muscle strength, while also promoting socialization, communication and confidence,” Franklin said.
The center offers a mix of programs in addition to its general sessions such as "horse-powered reading," a research-based program which allows participants to interact with horses while learning critical reading skills.
Franklin said the nonprofit has hopes to launch a mobile program later this year, which will allow her to take horses to local schools and memory care centers to offer unmounted therapy services.
Franklin joined the nonprofit’s team in 2020, shortly after Roland, the nonprofit's founder, passed away. At the time, the center was discussing potential closure.
“They were deciding if they were going to dissipate the nonprofit or get it going again and that’s when they hired me," Franklin said. "This has been my dream so I was like, ‘No, we’re not closing. We’re doing everything we can to keep it open.'”
Chelsi Jacobson, a therapeutic riding instructor and equine manager, recalled being surrounded by horses in her youth. After years of working in medical research, she “took a leap of faith” and started working with horses again before being brought on in 2023.
Franklin and Jacobson said they have an immense amount of memories from their individual time working with students at the center and they’re grateful to share some milestone moments with clients and their families.
In Jacobson’s lessons, she encourages riders to say “hi” and “bye” to their horses at the beginning and end of each lesson to invite the horse into their space. One of Jacobson’s stand-out memories is a moment when a nonverbal client said his first word about six months into his lessons.
“He was giving [his horse] back and the lesson was up and so, like always, I said, ‘Okay, say bye to Candela,’ and he said bye,” Jacobson said. “His dad and his mom were there and they heard him say his first word ever. His dad was just in tears beside himself when his son said his first word.”
With the amount of interest in the center’s offerings, the nonprofit has a seven-month waitlist for new clients. Despite the team’s desire to fulfill more lesson requests, the center is in need of volunteers to speed up the process.
Those interested can apply for volunteer positions, including sidewalker, horse leader, office staff supporter, horse care giver, landscape and property maintenance helper and social media manager.
Another note
The nonprofit is currently looking for a permanent space to call home and is specifically on the hunt for a donation of 7-10 acres of land in the Leander area. Once a permanent location is secured, the nonprofit will be able to expand its programs and provide services for a larger scale audience, Franklin said.
“This dedicated space will enable us to enhance our facilities, broaden our reach and create a long-lasting impact for countless families who benefit from our programs,” Franklin said. “Since we are a nonprofit, there are tax benefits to donating land to us.”
If interested, please contact [email protected].
- 5300 CR 279, Leander
- www.openmyworld.org
