Kids & Horses host memory loss workshops

Kids & Horses has partnered with the Connected Horse program to offer free workshops to individuals affected by memory changes or early stage dementia and their care partners. Sessions are held at the Kids & Horses Therapeutic Center, 2869 Esaw Street in Minden.

Since 1999, Kids & Horses has provided “adaptive riding lessons and equine-assisted therapies to children and adults with special needs” (kidsandhorses.org). The riding center is a Premier 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.”

No prior experience working with horses is needed, as all interactions are from the ground and no riding is involved. Attendees must be ambulatory and willing to participate with their program leaders and care partners.

Workshops are 2.5 hours once per week on Saturdays for three consecutive weeks, and participants are asked to commit to all three sessions when registering. Spring 2024 workshop sessions are held Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. on the following dates:

Session One on May 4, 11 and 18

Session Two on June 1, 8 and 15

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 these workshops, but donations are welcome. Kids & Horses and Connected Horse are both 501(c)3 non-profit organizations.

For more information or to register for a Memory Loss session, call Program Director Catherine O’Brien at 775-720-8614 or the Kids & Horses barn at 775-267-1775. Barn hours are Sunday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Prescription Drug Roundup

Partnership Douglas County and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office host a Prescription Drug Roundup on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Five locations are participating in the event:

DCSO; 1038 Buckeye Road, Minden

Roundhill Safeway; 212 Elks Point Road, Zephyr Cove

East Fork Fire Station 4 (TRE); 1476 Albite Road, Wellington

Walmart Gardnerville; 1511 Grant Street, Gardnerville

Walmart Topsy; 3770 Hwy 395 S Carson City

Unused or expired over-the-counter medications and vitamins; prescription pills, patches and liquids; and pet medications can be brought to any participating collection site. Items should be left in the original container with any identifying information marked out.

Needles, aerosol cans, inhalers, hydrogen peroxide, ointments, and other liquids will not be accepted.

At-home drug disposal kits are available at the following locations:

Partnership Douglas County; 1625 Hwy 88 Suite 104, Minden

Smith’s Pharmacy; 1341 Hwy 395 N, Gardnerville

Safeway Pharmacy; 212 Elks Point Road, Zephyr Cove

The following drug disposal locations are available year-round:

DCSO; 1038 Buckeye Road, Minden

Lake Tahoe Law Enforcement Building; 175 Hwy 50, Stateline

Carson Valley Health Emergency Department; 1107 HWY 395 N, Gardnerville

Prescription Drug Roundup events take place each April and October. Disposing of medications in a secure and effective manner helps prevent misuse and theft and promotes safer and healthier communities. For more information, contact PDC at 775-782-8611 or info@pdcnv.org.

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