International event rider, Allison Springer, has chosen the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) as her official charity and specifically the NARHA Horses for Heroes program. The program assists military veterans through services offered by NARHA members at its centers by providing leadership and guidance for equine assisted activities and therapies.
Allison is planning to raise funds for the program through her clinics. She will also present awards at the NARHA National Conference and Annual Meeting in Fort Worth, TX later this year. Allison will be making an official visit this spring to watch NARHA Certified Master Level Instructor Mary Jo Beckman working with soldiers who partner with horses from the United States Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment Caisson Platoon at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
"I am thrilled to become involved with the NARHA Horses for Heroes program, which is making a tremendous difference to the lives of our fallen heroes. Horses are known for their therapeutic value so it makes this partnership a natural success and provides vital motivation for the soldiers. Once they experience that connection with horses they realize the opportunities that come with this and enjoy a new confidence, which is such a critical part of their rehabilitation", said Allison. "I’m looking forward to helping in any way I can to promote the program that provides our veterans with a fun and stimulating activity as part of their therapy", she added.
To accomplish its mission, NARHA centers connect with Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and Clinics, as well as individual veterans. Veterans of any age can benefit from the program and by being involved with equines. NARHA centers are located across the country from Vermont to California.
"The NARHA Horses for Heroes program is grateful to Allison Springer for her desire to support our efforts and help us provide equine assisted rehabilitation and therapy to more veterans. To have a competitive rider of Allison’s caliber on our team is very exciting. All of us on the NARHA Horses for Heroes Task Force look forward to working with her. Allison appreciates the power of the horse to change lives in a positive manner and, like NARHA, understands there is no one more deserving of this positive change than our returning war wounded and those who have served in uniform", said Paul A. Spiers, Ph.D. Chair, NARHA Horses for Heroes Task Force, and Past-President, NARHA Board of Trustees.
