Carlisle Academy Offers Affordable Equestrian Therapeutic Services and Programming to Area Veterans

LYMAN, ME, November 08, 2012

Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports, a premier organization offering comprehensive equestrian educational services, is proud to provide therapeutic horsemanship services to all veterans in the area. So far more than 21 local veterans in 2012 are involved with this growing program. Participants are reaping the positive benefits to mind, body and spirit through their therapeutic involvement with horses.

Post-9/11 veterans are offered free services through funding via the Wounded Warrior Project in partnership with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH.) The Equest Foundation sponsors all other veterans via scholarships. Currently veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War and Afghanistan are actively involved in regular sessions of grooming, riding and carriage driving with Carlisle's dedicated team of horses and staff. Research indicates horse therapy is helping many soldiers cope with issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression and physical disabilities stemming from injuries sustained in their tours of duty.

"The growth and healing that we see taking place is deeply rewarding, and we are honored to take part in each individual's road to rehabilitation. Making these services accessible and affordable is our way of giving back to people who have given so much," Sarah Armentrout, Head of School at Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports, said.

According to Armentrout, one of the most fascinating aspects of therapeutic riding is how the walking motion of a horse closely resembles the human walking gait more than any other movement known. The rhythmic movement of the horse is especially beneficial for veterans with amputations, spinal cord injuries and other physical challenges. It helps strengthen their hips and core muscles and to rediscover their center of balance. In addition, the unique horse and human interaction nurtures a positive, trusting bond. Veterans in the program at Carlisle coping with anxiety, depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and poor self-confidence report an improved sense of connection and reintegration with their families, communities and beyond.

"The healing power of the horse is allowing these veterans to be 'in the moment' in a kind and non-judgmental way, offering these people peace and the ability to reconnect. It opens doors to relationships, helping soldiers reintegrate and build bonds with their families," Armentrout said.

Carlisle Academy has worked with veterans in its Adaptive Riding and Driving Program since 2008. This spring Carlisle was able to expand its program to offer free services through the Wounded Warrior Project. Under that program any veteran who incurred service-connected injuries to body, mind, or spirit on or after September 11, 2001 is eligible for up to 10 sessions a year at no cost. Veterans who do not fall under that specific program's criteria are still eligible to seek scholarships from the Equest Foundation so they may participate in programming.

"We were invited to participate in [therapeutic riding and driving at Carlisle Academy] in 2009. Keep in mind that every resident on my Unit struggles with dementia. For me to say they remember, and are ready and waiting without being told, is quite remarkable," Jeannine Lessard, Activity Coordinator at the Residential Care Unit of the Maine Veterans Home, said. "They love the challenge, their depression eases, their gait, balance, sense of self-confidence and self-esteem are improved. The experience has been the best experience I have ever been able to give these residents."

Carlisle Academy currently networks with the Maine Veteran's Home, the Sanford Vet Center and the Saco Veteran's Administration (VA) Outpatient Clinic. Any interested veteran is welcome to enroll by calling the Carlisle office, or via email.

Carlisle Academy, formerly Equest Therapeutic Riding Center, created a new business model back in 2011 to expand its programming and better serve a diverse group of clients. Carlisle Academy now offers opportunities to the riding community in three key areas: therapy and adaptive riding; recreational and Para-Equestrian sports; as well clinics and certification programs. The Equest Foundation, an independent non-profit organization, was simultaneously created and functions as Carlisle's charitable partner raising scholarships for students in need.

"We are honored to continue supporting our veterans by providing tuition scholarship assistance. To see and to hear the tremendous benefit the veterans receive by participating in Carlisle's programs is truly inspiring," Equest Foundation Board President Leslie Lindgren, said.

For more information on all of Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports programs please call 207-985-0374; email info@carlisleacademymaine.com; or visit http://www.carlisleacademymaine.com; or check us out on Facebook.

For more information on supporting the veterans scholarship program, please call the Equest Foundation at 207-467-3242; visit: http://www.equestfoundation.org; or contact P.O. Box 935, Kennebunk, ME 04043.

About Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports:

Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports is a comprehensive organization offering our hallmark equestrian hippotherapy and adaptive programs; new offerings of Para-Equestrian sport; and traditional equestrian training opportunities for educators, practitioners and riders alike. The mission of Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy and Sports is to transform lives through horses through its distinctive services - rehabilitative through recreational - within an inclusive environment that fosters learning, growth and overall well-being. For more information please visit: http://www.carlisleacademymaine.com; call 207-985-0374; email info@carlisleacademymaine.com; or check us out on Facebook.

About the Equest Foundation:

The mission of the Equest Foundation is to raise charitable scholarships for children and adults with disabilities who participate at Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports. The Equest Foundation also supports ongoing research, promotion of medical reimbursements, and professional education in the field of equine-assisted therapy.

The Equest Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which relies on charitable gifts, foundation grants, and special events to provide tuition assistance to families in need. In 2011, the Foundation awarded $55,985 in scholarships to support 57 individuals with a variety of challenges, representing 38 percent of Carlisle Academy's student body.

For more information please visit: http://www.equestfoundation.org; call 207-467-3242; email: info@equestfoundation.org; or contact P.O. Box 935, Kennebunk, ME 04043.