Join On Eagles’ Wings Therapeutic Horsemanship this Saturday for a yard sale, with proceeds used to continue the mission of “changing lives, one hoofbeat at a time.”
On Eagles’ Wings is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing therapeutic activities to individuals of all ages with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities. On Eagles’ Wings is unique in its use of therapy horses, implementing years of research demonstrating the emotional and physical impact of equine-assisted therapy.
The yard sale will be from 7-10 a.m. Saturday at On Eagles’ Wings facility, 371 Opekiska Ridge Road, Fairmont.
For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit oneagleswingswv.org.
“Horses are non-judgmental,” said Executive Director and Founder Dr. Carol Petitto of the reason for the program. “You can learn a lot from horsemanship and the reflection of emotions that we share with horses.”
Program participants are guided through various activities with the horses, and whether the focus is occupational or physical therapy, or improving emotional health, On Eagles’ Wings has options for all types of needs.
As described on the website, “The three-dimensional movement of the horse mimics the human walk … this movement profoundly affects the physical, cognitive, sensory and vestibular systems.” For some participants, this has even led to first words or first steps.
“We pretty much see miraculous improvements in people, whether it’s physical, cognitive, or social,” said Petitto. “We just see really positive things happen all the time.”
In the early 2000s, Petitto was encouraged by her academic advisor to pursue her passions; thus, the idea for On Eagles’ Wings was formed. By 2007, the organization got its start in Petitto’s backyard, with two horses and five participants. Nearly two decades later, On Eagles’ Wings serves around 100 people a week with 16 therapy horses.
On Eagles’ Wings is certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), an international leader in equine-assisted services. Following the standards set by PATH, On Eagles’ Wings ensures the emotional and physical well-being of not only the program participants, but the horses, as well.
Alongside the therapeutic horse-riding programs, On Eagles’ Wings also has a “Mini Wings” outreach program, with their miniature horses regularly visiting local schools, nursing homes, hospitals and libraries.
Saturday’s yard sale will be run by some of On Eagles’ Wings student volunteers from Waynesburg University, as part of their efforts to make an impact on a nonprofit of their choice. The funds raised by the yard sale will be used for regular operations, as well as rider’s scholarships and horse care.
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