WS Chronicle

BY TODD LUCK 

THE CHRONICLE

A local nonprofit is sponsoring horseback riding lessons for children who’ve been affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

Eliza’s Helping Hands (EHH), which helps victims in abusive relations, is sponsoring free riding lessons at Cash Lovell Stables and Riding Academy in Winston-Salem for a program it calls Riding for Power.

EHH Founder  Kenya Thornton has been riding horses for years and said it can be therapeutic for those dealing with trauma.

“Horses are powerful animals,” she said. “Particularly when victims lose, or feel like they lose, their power, if you can get on an animal that size and control it, you can pretty much do anything.”

Thornton said that the rides are being funded by a private donation. The focus will be primarily on low-income children that normally can’t afford horse riding lessons. EHH will be working with with partners like the Children’s Law Center and Department of Social Services to identify children that can benefit from the lessons. For families with transportation issues, rides to the stables can be arranged.

The program will offer each child three group sessions that will run Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. from May 8 through June 12.

Cash Lovell started in 1960 and currently houses about 50 horses. Most of the 175 lessons a week at the riding academy are for children and would normally cost $45 a session.

Parker Lovell, who owns the riding academy, said that horses therapeutic effects on humans can be “nothing short of magic.”

“Some people, especially women, tend to open up when they’re in the presence of a 1,000 pound, amazingly beautiful animal,” she said.

To apply for the lessons or for more information, visit elizashelpinghands.org or call Thornton at (336) 776-0322.