May 10 Rhythm of the Horse fundraiser to help heal and empower

Rhythm of the Horse, a Niwot-based nonprofit organization, focuses on equine-assisted services transcending basic horseback riding activities. People of various ages and abilities find empowerment and learning opportunities, together with healing services, on the backs of and around horses.

Established in 2001, Rhythm of the Horse operates under CEO and therapist Justine Williams to deliver innovative programs with deep community involvement and compassionate care for people with diverse challenges. Williams merged her understanding of conductive education with sensory integration and equine therapy.

"The organization carries out many services," Williams explained. She said the organization creates customized services to accommodate the specific requirements of every client.

For example, Williams offers conductive education to individuals with neuromotor impairments through physical therapy methods, speech therapy approaches, and special education strategies. The comprehensive approach helps students develop skills that enhance their independence in everyday life.

Rhythm of the Horse also offers its services to people who identify as neurodivergent, including those who have autism and sensory processing disorders. The riders at this program work to enhance their self-regulation abilities, as well as their sensory processing and communication skills, through their interactions with horses and their time in the farm environment.

The nonprofit organization provides therapeutic riding lessons that teach riding skills at levels appropriate for individual riders. The supportive and accommodating setting allows riders to learn at their pace while experiencing physical, social, and emotional benefits from interacting with horses.

The center extends its reach through equine-assisted learning programs, which help people deal with anxiety, trauma, and other emotional difficulties. Through groundwork and horse-related experiential activities, participants develop confidence and self-esteem.

One such program is the Horse Powered Reading and Math program which delivers literacy and math education by working with a horse on the ground while practicing word identification, building fluency, and performing vocabulary and math exercises. The horse provides students with a noncritical space, which allows students to learn without hesitation.

According to Williams, volunteers are as essential to the program's success as horses. Helen Kilcoyne learned to ride from Williams nearly nineteen years ago after her stroke. Kilcoyne said that the program enabled her to preserve her mobility while enhancing her daily activities.

Kilcoyne then volunteered website management, publications support, grant writing, and event organization responsibilities. She said she especially values the friendships formed with other volunteers. Kilcoyne said, "Justine demonstrates dedicated therapeutic skills, which allow her to achieve optimal results from clients who have different disabilities."

Kilcoyne and her husband have offered their home for the upcoming Wine and Cheese Fundraiser for Rhythm of the Horse on Saturday, May 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 8417 Sawtooth Lane, Niwot.

The wine and cheese tasting event will present French, Italian, and British wine selections to generate support for student scholarships and additional program requirements. Guest speaker Bailey Gaccetta will share her experiences at Rhythm of the Horse.

Register for the event at https://www.rhythmofthehorse.org/upcoming-events.

The program welcomes visitors through its website at http://www.rhythmofthehorse.org.