Above: JHTR co-founder, Robin Lightner, looks back on the organization’s earliest moments. From concept to reality, and growing pains to the celebration of 30 years, Robin speaks of her pride and gratitude for the countless individuals who have helped to make the program possible.
For several years, individuals in the local community have talked about starting a therapeutic riding program for emotionally and physically disadvantaged individuals. Physical Therapist DeDe McDonald began a small individual program several years ago when working with some C Bar V students. Realizing that the undertaking was in need of a great amount of planning and organization, DeDe and Robin Lightner enlisted the help of interested individuals during the winter months of 1993 to “do it right.” They began a serious, self-sustaining program to meet a need which existed in Jackson Hole.
Robin is a long-time resident of the area who has ten years experience in organizing and fundraising for such entities as the Teton County School Board, the Jackson Hole Pony Club. She is a board member as well as national fundraising chairman for the National Pony Club.
DeDe is a physical therapist who has specialized in pediatric physical therapy since 1980. She has worked for many years with the C Bar V program and for the last three to four years with children at the Learning Center in Jackson. Originally from Ohio, DeDe and her husband Jeff have been instrumental in initiating the beginnings of JHTRA.
Fundraising from the program began in earnest in March after a Board of Directors was in place and a part-time Director was hired. JHTRA was incorporated in Wyoming and steps taken to secure non-profit status from the IRS. The response to the initial mailing was wonderful, and along with several large individual and foundation donations the project financials goals were met before the actual program was underway!
In June, a workshop for volunteers and interested individuals was held featuring Lida McCowan, the founder of the Cheff Center for the Handicapped in Augusta, Michigan. The first riding sessions began June 21st and continued twice a week for four weeks. Riding lessons taught by Jody Roche were made available at Edgcomb’s area near Wilson for fifteen emotionally handicapped youngsters from C Bar V.
Thanks to the generosity of helpful individuals who donated the use of their horses, tack, facilities and time, two more sessions were held. Wonderful equine therapy for the body and spirit has now become part of the lives of more than thirty-five people of all ages and disabilities. Many more potential riders are in the northwest Wyoming area and it is hoped that the program will expand to become available to all of these very special participants.
There is gratification that the program is now a reality, along with planning and work to look forward to in order to keep the future of therapeutic riding in Jackson Hole a viable reality.
In 1994, weather permitting, and with our great volunteers and horses in place, riding will resume sometime in March in an indoor facility.
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