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Exceptional. Professional. Horseman. Champion.
ALLISON
SPRINGER SUPPORTS NARHA HORSES FOR HEROES
International event rider chooses military veterans program as her
official charity.
Upperville, VA. January 13, 2009
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.
Keep tabs on Allison's
latest competitions and travels in her new
blog. |