New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding has outgrown its current location and is raising $190,000 to build a new equine-assisted activities and therapies facility that supports the growth of its programs and provides more space for the herd of specially trained horses. Land has been located 20 minutes south of Eldorado. Plans include raising $90,000 for an outdoor arena, barn, turnouts, shelters and startup costs associated with moving to the new site so that lessons can begin in August 2023. Once lessons have started the focus will be on raising $100,000 for an indoor arena.Since 2010, NMCTR has provided therapeutic opportunities using the healing touch of horses. Clients are all ages and have a variety of disabilities whether physical, mental, emotional (Parkinson’s, Down’s Syndrome, dementia, PTSD, autism). All programs are tailored to the abilities of the rider and there is such high demand there is often a waiting list. Grant funded scholarships are awarded to low income, underserved families. Annually, NMCTR serves over 150 participants with the assistance of 12 horses and over 100 volunteers.Executive Director Ashley Fischer is excited about what the future holds. “We have always dreamed of a forever home. Now that we have the land, we will be able to build a five-star therapeutic riding center that will serve more riders, develop new programs, and create new partnerships with surrounding communities. The horses will have room to roam and be free when they aren’t changing people’s lives.”New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding Horsemanship (PATH Intl). All instructors are PATH Intl trained and certified. NMCTR relies on individual and corporate donations and grants to fund its programs.Donations can be made at www.nmctr.org.
