Wine, Dine and Equine with GREAT!

I'm passionate about horses. After all, I am the 'crazy horse lady on the radio.' They have such pure souls and it's been said, "Horses are cheaper than therapy!" That is SO TRUE! Horses are therapeutic in many, many ways!

This is your chance to have a great night helping a great program... The Arc of Caddo-Bossier’s GREAT aka Great Results Equine Assisted Therapies!

According to an article about Equine Therapy:

There are many physiological and psychological benefits documented in people during interactions with animals. These include lowered blood pressure and heart rate, increased beta-endorphin levels, decreased stress levels, reduced feelings of anger, hostility, tension and anxiety, improved social functioning, and increased feelings of empowerment, trust, patience and self-esteem.

I still remember the first time I saw equine therapy in action. I don't think I was even 10-years-old yet, but one of my early riding instructors specialized in therapeutic riding. She allowed me to come 'help' her at the equestrian portion of the Special Olympics that were being held in Baton Rouge. You can't imagine the smiles on the exhibitors' faces. Horses truly are special. They've been proven to help troubled teens, people with anxiety, depression, and addiction, children with autism, developmental disorders and more. You can find tons of literature about Equine Assisted Therapies online. In fact, if you do a GOOGLE search, you'll find way more than you bargained for, so I'll give you some helpful links at the bottom of this story. But mainly, I want to give you an idea of what 'GREAT' does for our community.

GREAT stands for Great Results Equine Assisted Therapies, Inc. and is a program offered through The Arc of Caddo-Bossier.  Their mission statement is to, 'Build unlimited opportunities for people with disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship.'  The Arc of Caddo-Bossier has multiple programs, but GREAT is the one that really works on my heart. It takes a lot of money to run a facility like GREAT and they would love your support... in the form of time or money!

And here's a great way for you to help GREAT! Attend their Wine, Dine and Equine Event Friday, October 4th at Hill Country Village on Ellerbe Road in Shreveport from 6 - 10 pm. Tickets are just $75 and dress is casual with entertainment by The Bayou Gypsies. Attendees will enjoy valet service along with refreshing drinks and food from great local eateries like Biscotti's at Lewis' Gifts, Superior's Steakhouse, Silver Star Grille, Hill Country Village, Tejas, Sample Farms, Sweets by Sally, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Buttercups Cupcakes. The event will also feature live and silent auctions with items from Primo All in One Grill, Antler Shed Deer Blind, a sofa from Medina Interiors, artwork by Ellen Blanchard, a stay at a Perdido Key beachfront condo, and more! Another fun way to help, and win, is to 'stuff the purse!' Bring some cash to 'stuff the purse' and the winner of this particular auction will take home a vintage Louis Vuitton Pochette plus the cash!

I think it goes without saying, that not only will I be at the event, but I'm also volunteering by hosting the live auction which will begin around 8:45 pm. To purchase tickets call (318) 938-9166.

GREAT is located in Greenwood on Greenwood-Springridge Road. Give them a call at (318) 938-9166 if you're interested in volunteering with their program. They'd love to hear from you!

Helpful Links to Learn More About Equine Assisted Therapy:

Using Horses in Therapy with Troubled Teens

Using Horses in Therapy for Children with Autism/Asperger's

Using Horses in Therapy for Relationship Issues, Depression and Anxiety

Using Horses in Therapy for Addiction

Make a Donation to GREAT via PayPal by clicking HERE.