August 2023 Update

Music Enhances Benefits of Therapeutic Riding Lessons

I hope that you had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Kennedy, one of our wonderful summer interns, while she was busy serving and blessing those that came to Renew. Kennedy poured her heart into her work during her time at Renew. One of the unique and beautiful ways that she blessed both students and horses was through the addition of music to some of the lessons. Here is a brief question and answer interview where Kennedy explained a little about how this program started and the impact it had on those involved.

How did this idea come about? A requirement of my internship was that I create and implement a program. That being said, growing up in a musical household and playing instruments for over 13 years, I figured why not combine the therapeutic use of music alongside therapeutic riding! There is not much for research when it comes to the collaborative use of therapeutic riding and music, so I thought this would be a cool opportunity to collect my own data from it. 

Have you ever done anything similar somewhere else? I have used music as a therapeutic intervention in the past on a couple of occasions. At Mary Free Bed, I helped the Music Therapist with drum circles for those in inpatient care. I have also led music groups in a memory care unit at Beacon Hill at Eastgate, with piano and ukulele. The pure joy and growth that was shared among patients was truly incredible to witness! I have never done any music alongside riders and horses, so I am was excited to see the progress of the riders while utilizing this collaboration.

What did this look like at Renew? At Renew, I worked with Kayla every Wednesday at 10am and with Shaina every Thursday at 10am to incorporate music into the lessons! Each week, I learned new songs to incorporate into the lesson plans based on recommendations from the riders. I often tried to find songs that related to the theme of the week, and sometimes changed the lyrics to fit in better with the horses! We sang during warm-ups (like the Hokey Pokey) and sang together as the riders completed their objectives for the lesson. It was always fun to have the volunteers join in as well with singing and shaker eggs!

Have you noticed any specific or general benefits for the horses and for the students? I have received feedback from both riders and parents that has only been positive. The riders seem to perk up while singing along- increasing participation and focus during their lesson. Additionally, throughout the lessons, we have had a lot of smiles from both the riders and volunteers (as usual) and it has been so encouraging to see. As for the horses, many of them have adjusted well to the music, and some have taken a special interest in it, like Babe. I have noticed the horses listening closely to the riders as well as the music. It has been so fun to see the rider engagement. 

If you had a particular goal or hope in mind when you began, has that been realized? When imagining the impact of the use of music in lessons, I simply hoped that the music would help students to relax as well as be able to process more of what they are learning during their lessons. Music is processed differently in the brain compared to language/speech. I was hoping that this would be a possible mode for students to be able to get the most that they can out of a lesson through a different technique of learning. My overall hope is that everyone enjoys themselves and grows in their confidence and skills while enjoying their time on their horse (volunteers included!). 

Program & Events Update

As we oscillate between the heat of summer and the brisk fall air, staff, horses, and students are gearing up for another great session of therapeutic riding lessons. Session 5 will begin on Monday, September 11, with another record number of participants. We’re looking forward expectantly to what God will do in the lives of each person that comes to the farm.

Serving this number of students well requires many caring volunteers to step forward. If you have an hour a week to spare and would like to be blessed by our students, please reach out to volunteer@renewtrc.org and see where and how you can get plugged in.

There are also a few special events coming up and we would like to extend you an invitation. Please reach out with any questions.

Fall Festival
Saturday, September 23, at Renew TRC from 1:00-3:00pm
Everyone is invited to a day of free family fun on the farm.
There will be snacks, barrel train rides, fish feeding, miniature horses, face painting, and more.

Blessing of the Horses
Saturday, September 23, at Renew TRC from 3:00-3:30pm
Everyone is invited to this annual event to commission and pray over our herd of therapy horses.

Renew Roundup BBQ Dinner Fundraiser
Saturday, September 23, at Renew TRC from 5:30-8:00pm
Tickets on sale NOW
This annual event is one you won’t soon forget. Invite your friends and family, or treat your staff to a night of amazing food and drinks, special student riding demonstration, live music, and line dancing. Even if you are not able to attend in person, there will be ways to get in on the fun virtually and support the life-changing mission of Renew.
Check the event website for tickets and information.