Nancy Grette, Executive Director and co-founder of the Alatheia Riding Center, joined us to talk about the life-changing experience of being a volunteer or client with the Center, located in Sleepy Hollow Heights.
Alatheia was founded in 2011 after Nancy and her husband Glenn observed the effect an interaction with their Norwegian Fjord horse had on a developmentally and physically challenged child visiting them as part of the child's birthday celebration. The young lady blossomed physically and emotionally as she rode the horse on a regular basis. After that experience Nancy and Glenn felt called to serve people through therapeutic riding.
Today Alatheia is a nonprofit therapeutic riding center located in serving more than 50 riders and attracting more than 70 volunteers. Its mission is to improve the lives of people with special needs through equine therapy. The Center uses Fjord horses exclusively because they are known for their mild behavior and friendly disposition. Their shape and gait tend to benefit riders physically.
When asked about the name Alatheia, Nancy said it is the new testament Greek work for truth. In Ephesians 4:15 the apostle Paul calls us to speak the truth in love to one another. For Nancy and Glenn speaking the truth in love is a way of life and the Riding Center is how they have chosen to speak the truth.
At right, Hana Wright, daughter of Club member Kathleen McNalty, rides Nils during her weekly session at Alatheia. Hana is not able to walk, talk, or feed herself but when she is on Nils she can get a sensation similar to walking.
It's hard to describe what an emotional jolt Nancy gave us with her presentation. We are very fortunate to have this organization in our Valley.
Check out this Utube video to see what a day at Alatheia is like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPTj9LpZ40s
Alatheia is having its annual fundraising gala on October 2. Put this on your calendar and plan to attend! More info her http://alatheiaridingcenter.com/annual-benefit-dinner/
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