Here’s a chance to look behind the curtain. On Saturday June 26th from 1-5 p.m. East Point Horspice is hosting an open house. This is an opportunity to get up close and personal with the inner workings of the horse rescue and therapeutic riding program which became a 501(c)3 non-profit entity 15 years ago.
Beginning at 1 p.m. there will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony courtesy of the Alliance Chamber of Commerce. Shortly after there will be a therapy riding demonstration to offer an idea of the many ways in which horseback riding can be used as a physical therapy tool. Riders and their volunteer side-walkers will participate in a few of the activities used to allow the rhythmic motion of being on a horse to increase balance, core strength and riding confidence in ways normal physical therapy simply can’t. Using horseback riding as an additional device in the therapy toolbox has many documented benefits and when incorporated in an atmosphere of fun and games can be very effective, many times without the rider realizing they are showing improvement.
Throughout the afternoon there are scheduled training demonstrations to highlight techniques to improve horse-people communication. In the round pen and arena accomplished equestrians will show their favorite ways to improve talking with the horses which always leads to increased safety and horse relationship dialogs. Many rescued horses will go through rigorous training protocols in order to allow them to participate in the EPH program. While most horses have the inherent potential to be excellent partners in the program, they must be taken from their current position of training and rider experience before sending them to this graduate level of involvement. These demonstrations should show what can be accomplished with the right education.
In front of the Memorial Volunteer Center the 67th Army Rock Band will get our toes tapping from 2-4 p.m. This talented group of soldiers is guaranteed to put the party in this pasture with their amazing musical skills.
Around 4:30 Dr. Doug Butler from Chadron will give an entertaining presentation on his view of the cowboy code. Riddled with history, personal anecdotes and humor, this accomplished author, university professor and world-renowned farrier science expert will share his wisdom and insight of his many years in the horse industry. Dr. Butler has practiced the farrier’s craft for over 50 years, taught farrier science and craftmanship for more than 40 years at universities, private schools, clinics, seminars, conferences and conventions. He has a PhD from Cornell University, a CJF (Certified Journeyman Farrier) from the American Farrier’s Association and was the first American Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Farriers (FWCF) of England. Currently Dr. Butler and his sons Jacob and Pete operate the Butler Professional Farrier School based in Chadron. It is through the relationship of their teaching program and the horses of EPH that we have been honored to receive care and treatment as they bring students off the ridge for experience and teachable moments with the varied equines of Horspice. In a small world turn of events, Charlene took Dr. Butler’s farrier science class at Colorado State University as an undergrad and fate has once brought us all together in the Nebraska panhandle. The accolades, awards and accomplishments pale to Dr. Butler’s humility and commonsense insight his life has taught him. EPH looks forward to his presentation.
EPH recommends bringing your favorite lawn chair and floppy hat and plan to spend the entire afternoon getting to know the miracles that are the horses. You are encouraged to tour the facilities, visit with EPH founders Charlene and Brian Stephenson and the many volunteers who will be around to explain what it is exactly that keeps them sharing their valuable time and talents with the horses and their riders. East Point Horspice is located about 6 miles east of Alliance, south of Highway 2. For further information contact EPH at (308) 762-3848, eph@bbc.net or www.eastpointhorspice.com.
EPH encourages you to come check out what lies over the rainbow at Horspice.