November 8 & 9, 2014 (Newtown, CT) – The Fairfield County Hounds Pony Club (FCHPC- affiliate of United States Pony Clubs, Inc.) sponsored a cross-country clinic fundraiser for Embrace Hope – (Sandy Hook Equine Assisted Therapy), a non-profit foundation that started in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. 

The Embrace Hope Foundation is a partnership between Zoar Ridge Stables in Sandy Hook (owners Annette & Brian Sullivan) and EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association).  This equine facilitated psychotherapy program specializes in children and trauma, combining a mental health professional with an equine specialist and horses.  Practitioners use horses in their sessions to address specific client emotional needs as they struggle with post-traumatic stress syndrome, grief, anxiety and depression.  Activities provide children the opportunity to bond with the horses, and relate their feelings in a setting outside of traditional talk therapy.  Horses and a form of play therapy make healing an interactive activity focused at reestablishing self esteem, confidence and trust.

Equine expert, natural horsemanship trainer, pony club instructor and examiner, Rebecca Howard Hathaway (resident of Newtown/Shady Hill Farm and former “pony clubber”), volunteered her time and expertise to conduct the two-day cross-country clinic for 21 riders – including 9 FCHPC members.  Riders took part in learning strategies to improve riding skills and confidence in a large hunt field, jumping natural obstacles.  Zoar Ridge Stables hosted the clinic on their beautiful 30 acres. 

A total of $1,600 was raised at the clinic. All proceeds benefit Embrace Hope’s most basic needs, which include horse feed, veterinary care, facility upkeep, insurance & professional therapy sessions.

Fairfield County Hounds Pony Club (FCHPC) is a non-profit organization that teaches horsemanship to youth members up to age 25.  Along with an emphasis on helping its members learn to ride and care for horses, Pony Club promotes teamwork, a sense of responsibility, safety, good moral judgment, self-confidence and land conservation.  For more information about FCHPC please visit www.fairfieldponyclub.com

United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program.  Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including many of our Olympic team members and many business professionals, government leaders and career military officers, have roots in Pony Club. There are approximately 10,000 members in 600 clubs and riding centers in 43 regions throughout the country.   For more information about USPC please visit www.ponyclub.org