Program Overview
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This 8-week program is the core of the H.A.Y. Foundation and serves children between the ages of 4 and 17 who need the opportunity to escape and overcome social, economic, and/or psychological challenges in their lives. It consists of eight, one-hour lessons once a week, generally on Tuesday evenings. Several local Therapeutic Riding Centers are established to assist children with physical and mental disabilities, Autism and other health impairments, but there was a lack assistance in the community for youth who were considered ‘at-risk.' . The H.A.Y. Foundation Basic Horsemanship Program fosters the well-being of ‘at-risk’ youth by building confidence and self-esteem, encouraging self-discipline and behavioral control, improving language and communication skills, and providing the opportunity to create a trusting bond between a child and horse.
The Horsemanship Lesson Program consists of eight, one-hour lessons divided into two sections--viewing room time and arena time. The "viewing room" acts as a classroom for the children to expand their horsemanship knowledge and reinforce information taught in the arena. In the arena, each child learns to ride and control a horse on their own, without being led by an instructor.
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How to refer a child
Referrals for the Basic Horsemanship Program must be completed by the child’s teacher or school counselor, private counselor, social worker, or other professional who sees a need in the child that is not currently being fulfilled by other services (i.e. counseling, school, extra-curricular activities and programs, etc.). Once an application has been submitted and an interview completed, information is sent to the Board of Directors for approval. If the child is approved for services, up to 8 one-hour lessons are provided at no cost to the child.
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If you would like to refer a child, please complete the application below and send to one of the following outlets. If you do not hear back from a H.A.Y. Staff member within a week, please contact us again via phone or email.
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Email:
TheHayFoundation@gmail.com |
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Address
The HAY Foundation
c/o Amy Koenigsfeld, President
2329 River Bluff Dr.
Nixa, MO 65714
Fax:
Number upon request
The HAY Foundation
c/o Amy Koenigsfeld, President
2329 River Bluff Dr.
Nixa, MO 65714
Fax:
Number upon request