Kids & Horses host memory loss workshops

This fall, Kids & Horses has again partnered with the Connected Horse program to offer free workshops to individuals affected by memory changes or early stage dementia and their care partners. Workshops take place at the Kids & Horses Therapeutic Center, 2869 Esaw St. in Minden.

Since 1999, Kids & Horses has provided “adaptive riding lessons and equine-assisted therapies to children and adults with special needs” (kidsandhorses.org). Their center is a Premier PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) International accredited facility.

The Connected Horse program “provides innovative equine-assisted workshops and training that inspire connection and engagement and improves the lives of those impacted by dementia and memory loss” (connectedhorse.org). Research studies at the University of California-Davis and Stanford University found workshop participants reported “increased feelings of social support, greater self awareness, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved sleep.”

Program participation doesn’t require any prior experience working with horses, as all interactions are from the ground and no riding is involved. Communication between participants and the horses is fostered in ways that go beyond the spoken word. Attendees must be ambulatory and willing to participate with their workshop leaders and care partners.

The 2023 fall workshop schedule offers two sessions, each on consecutive Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. Session One takes place Sept. 16, 23, and 30; Session Two is scheduled Oct. 7, 14, and 21.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To ensure a more comfortable workshop experience, participants must schedule an initial onsite orientation and paperwork appointment prior to the start of the first lesson.

There is no fee to participate in the Connected Horse workshop, but donations are gratefully accepted. Kids & Horses and Connected Horse are both 501(c)3 non-profit organizations funded by grants and donations.

For more information or to register for a Memory Loss Workshop, call the barn at 775-267-1775. Hours are Sunday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Visit the Kids & Horses website to learn more about their “‘Raise’ the Barn” fall fundraiser, scheduled 4-8 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Crystal Bay Casino Crown Room. The event features live music, dancing, and a BBQ dinner.

Kindness Rock painting event

Partnership Douglas County (pdcnv.org) and The Nature Conservancy (nature.org) have teamed up to offer a free Kindness Rock Painting Day 5:30-7 p.m. Aug. 17 at River Fork Ranch, 381 Genoa Lane.

All are invited to stop by and paint a rock with inspiring messages or images. Rocks can either be taken home or left with the host organizations for distribution. The intention is to leave rocks for others to find at different places throughout the community as a way to spread positivity and cheer.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.