NARHA News Masthead
In This Issue
NARHA Seeks Programs and Education Manager
NARHA Driving Subcommittee
NARHA Says Goodbye
Get a Member Contest
Welcome
NARHA 2011 Scholarship Applications
Workshop Deadline Approaching
NARHA Photo Contest
Call for Papers
Awards Nominations
Certification Fast Track Option
Equine Welfare Tip
HHRF Call for Proposals
Workshops and Certifications
Quick Links


Advertising

Official NARHA Events 
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NARHA Seeks Programs and Education Manager
NARHA is conducting a nationwide search for a Programs and Education Manager. The position is located in the national office in Denver. Relocation is negotiable. Click here for the full job description. Applications will be accepted through March 31. Please email your cover letter and resume to the attention of Jama Rice.

NARHA Subcommittee Seeks Additional Members
The NARHA Driving Certification Subcommittee seeks enthusiastic new members to join the committee. Applicants should have a strong interest in therapeutic riding and driving and a desire to continue the development of and improve the NARHA Driving Instructor Certification Process. Click here to download information.
NARHA Says Goodbye
NARHA is sad to bid farewell to two national office employees. Programs and Projects Coordinator Sandy Artichoker is re-entering the dental field and Program Representative Kelly Sullivan is going to graduate school for social work. We thank them for their time at and service to NARHA and wish them well in the future!

March 15, 2011

Rein Them In and Win a Two Night Spa Package!
We at NARHA know our current members are the best possible source for new members who could benefit from all NARHA has to offer. 

With our special Member-Get-A-Member drive, we've made referring colleagues to NARHA easier than ever! Forward an application to them or direct them to Join Now to download an application. Or direct them to the NARHA store to join online. Ask your friend to enter your name in the "referred by" space. Then tell another friend... and another... and another to win prizes.

We'd like to thank you for your efforts with some nifty prizes for all members recruited by June 30, 2011. 
  • Grand prize for the person recruiting the most new members is a two night spa package to include airfare for two, two nights room stay and a hotel spa package
    • All travel arrangements to be made through NARHA
    • Airfare, hotel and spa booked with NARHA American Express points
    • Airfare not to exceed $500 per person
    • Room nights not to exceed $400 per night
  • Runner up will received a $100 gift card to a popular restaurant chain
  • All who bring in three or more new members receive a member t-shirt
  • All who bring in seven or more new members receive a member polo shirt
  • Everyone who recruits one or more new members is entered into a drawing for a free NARHA National Conference and Annual Meeting registration
Every time you recruit a new member, you strengthen NARHA. A vital and growing NARHA means greater recognition of safety and ethical practices in the equine-assisted activities and therapies industry, improved education resources and networking opportunities for all members, and the advancement of professional standards worldwide.

Click here to learn program details!

   

Welcome to NARHA's New Sponsorship/Development Manager

Megan ReamThis week NARHA welcomes its newest staff member, Megan Ream, as Sponsorship/Development Manager. Megan's primary responsibilities include increasing sponsorship dollars and growing NARHA's outreach to its individual members and donors. With over five years experience in nonprofit fundraising, most of which is in the outdoor recreation and conservation field, she looks forward to transferring her knowledge of how to fund raise for NARHA. Megan enjoys spending time with her fianc�, Stu, doing just about anything outdoors, including hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing and playing with her dog, Bella.

 

If you have any questions on how to support changing and enriching lives through the promotion of equine-assisted activities and therapies, contact her anytime at mream@narha.org or (303) 452-1212, ext. 107.

 

NARHA 2011 National Conference Scholarships
NARHA continues to work diligently to obtain funding sources to ensure the maximum opportunity to underwrite scholarships for NARHA's National Conference and Annual Meeting. As leaders in the industry we are committed to providing our members with opportunities for continuing education and professional development. We are excited to offer these opportunities to experience the NARHA National Conference to those new as well as experienced in the field.

This year we are happy to announce a new scholarship to be awarded annually, the Marjorie V. Kittredge Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning (EFP/L) Scholarship to be awarded to a person who is an EFP/L professional or studying to become one.

The 2011 NARHA National Conference and Annual Meeting Scholarship application and the 2011 Marjorie V. Kittredge Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning Scholarship application are due by email, fax or posted no later than June 28, 2011.

Click here to download applications.

We wish you the best of luck with your application.

     

NARHA Driving Workshop and Certification Deadline Approaching
The deadline is quickly approaching to get your application in for the driving workshop and certification event in Longview, Texas, at Wind Ridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center April 26-29. If you plan to attend, please send your application and payment to the center as soon as possible. If you do not get your applications to the center, the center will not know you have interest in attending and the event will have to be canceled. If you are interested in attending, send in your application and fees now!
Win a Free Conference Registration in NARHA's Photo and Video Contest!

little girl kissing horseEnter the Free NARHA 2011 Photo and Video Contest and get the chance to win a free registration for the 2011 NARHA National Conference and Annual Meeting or other prizes.

NARHA always needs good photos for NARHA publications, marketing projects and the website.

Set your digital camera at its highest resolution and take your best active photos of your center's riders, equines, volunteers and instructors. Show us your center's driving, interactive vaulting, group activities, teamwork and more!

Click here for details on how to enter. Deadline is June 30.    

NARHA 2011 National Conference Call for Papers
2011 conference logo
Each year the NARHA National Conference and Annual Meeting provides the equine-assisted activities and therapies industry the most valuable and comprehensive education opportunities available. A broad spectrum of session content is needed to offer a rich and invigorating experience for all attendees.  

The 2011 NARHA National Conference is November 9-12 in Lexington, KY. At this time NARHA is conducting a call for papers. Come present at the 2011 National Conference and share how you, your organization or your research can help improve the equine-assisted activities and therapies field.

Speakers receive discounted registration.

This year, abstract submission will be handled electronically only:

Abstracts must be submitted to NARHA by April 5, 2011. No submissions will be accepted after April 5.
NARHA 2011 National Awards Nominations
Reino Taveras

Reino Taveras, NARHA 2010 Adult Equestrian of the Year

Every year riders, instructors, volunteers and equines invest time and energy in continuously developing in the Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies industry. So many people and equines spend hours in the sun and cold weather, in dusty barns and arenas to participate in this wonderful industry. The dedication of all these individuals and equines is outstanding, and NARHA would like to take this opportunity to honor those people with our 2011 awards program.  

 

Visit the NARHA website and download the 2011 criteria and nomination forms for our Volunteer, Equine, Instructor, Adult Equestrian, Independent Adult Equestrian, Youth Equestrian, Child Equestrian, Sis Gould, NARHA Horses for Heroes, EFL/EFP professional or James Brady awards to help us honor all those dedicated to this amazing industry.

Please read all criteria for each award carefully and be sure you submit a complete application for the award of your choice. Some guidelines for 2011 have changed, so please review the criteria carefully! Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.    

 

Award nominations are due by May 16, 2011. Please have them postmarked by this date or submitted via email by May 16, 2011. Late or incomplete nominations will not be accepted.

 

Send all nominations to Tara McChesney, NARHA, PO Box 33150 Denver, CO 80233 or

email Tara. Please do not send your nomination to both places; submit your nomination to one place only.

 

Please note nominators will not receive a letter regarding the results of their submission until August, 2011.  

Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification Fast Track Option
At the national conference in November 2010, the NARHA Equine Specialist Certification Sub-Committee and the NARHA staff announced the launch of the exciting Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification.

A very successful pilot event was held at Bakas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida, February 18-21. A special thank you to all who attended and to Bakas for providing such a wonderful facility for us to pilot our event. The Bakas staff was exceptional and provided us with wonderful accommodations! The NARHA office is currently receiving applications from eager individuals ready to receive their certification. Thank you to our members for their patience and excitement in this new program!

The Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning certification is meant to certify an individual as the horse handler in any un-mounted mental health or learning session. If the session is mounted a NARHA certified instructor will continue to supervise the activity. Equine-Facilitated Learning and Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy are growing fields in NARHA, and this certification is meant to improve the experience of all involved.

Click here for a copy of the certification booklet and complete details on the requirements of the certification.

If you are a current NARHA certified instructor and have been participating or plan to participate in an EFP or EFL program, please review the Fast Track certification option on page 29 of the certification booklet. This option allows any current NARHA certified instructor to submit their portfolio to the NARHA office and begin taking the online exams for the Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning certification. The on-site 3-day workshop and 1-day practical skills test is not required for those taking advantage of the Fast Track certification. The deadline to apply for the Fast Track option is June 30, 2011. So do not delay if you wish to take advantage of this option! This option is only available for current NARHA certified instructors, other qualifications do not apply and all other certification candidates must attend the on-site workshop and skills test.

Call the NARHA office at (800) 369-RIDE (7433) with questions.
Equine Welfare Tip From the Equine Welfare Committee

Need a Drink?
By Heidi J. Potter, Equine Welfare Committee Member
We know horses always need unlimited access to clean, fresh water. On average, a horse will consume 12-20 gallons per day, depending on weather and workload. However, are we aware of their drinking habits? 


Most horses will seek out water after grazing and/or eating grain or hay. In many programs horses are taken out of the field or paddock and brought directly to the cross ties or hitching rail. At that point it may be several hours before they will be returned to any water source. Please be mindful where he is in his daily cycle when you go out to get a horse for work. Have you seen him just take a drink? Did he recently finish a meal? Did you just take him away from his pile of hay? 


To help ensure his good health just stop by his water source for a moment to see if he is interested. If you are paying attention, the horse will generally "tell" you that he is interested in water as you are passing by it. Some horses will speak very quietly, so be mindful about reading them. Others will boldly pull you in that direction. They are "shouting" to you, so be sure to listen. Then be prepared to practice patience as some (especially those who lack confidence in the herd or are lower down in the pecking order) will need to look around, drop their nose, pick their head up, look around and then settle in for a drink. Others will need to splash for a bit before drinking. Some will take a drink, take a breather and drink again. 


Placing a large muck bucket just outside the entrance to the barn helps volunteers and barn staff  remember to stop there before entering. This works well as horses will generally drink faster from a large bucket. They don't have to worry about others in the herd sneaking up to move them off. You also don't have to wait for an automatic waterer to refill, which can seem like an eternity if you are in a hurry. 


By putting a watering procedure in place you help ensure the overall health and happiness of your equine partner.        

Horses and Humans Research Foundation 2011 Call for Proposals

Research Funding Available To Investigate the Impact of Equine-Assisted Activities

Horses and Humans Research Foundation (HHRF) invites proposals to investigate the effects of horses on humans. The Foundation's broad research agenda includes basic research as well as clinical studies that will ultimately impact physical and mental health and the quality of life for participants in equine-assisted activities/therapies. 


Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, taking into account scientific merit, scientific and clinical significance and relevance to areas designated by the Foundation. Preference will be given to investigators with solid credentials and research experience. The average grant award is $50,000 for up to a one-year period.

 

For information, visit Horses and Humans Research Foundation's website

 

The application deadline is May 15, 2011. 

Workshops and Certifications
Unless otherwise noted, contact Tara McChesney at (800) 369-7433, ext. 114 for further information. All dates are subject to change. To register for an event, please contact the host site directly.

NARHA Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Workshop and Practical Skills Testing
April 29-May 2
Marion Therapeutic Riding Association in Ocala, FL


May 12-15
North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center in Mebane, NC

May 26-29
Ride On Center for Kids in Georgetown, TX

June 18-21
Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, Inc., in Boxford, MA

October 20-23
Hearts and Horses in Loveland, CO

NARHA Advanced Level Certifications
April 29-May 1
Brave Hearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center in Harvard, IL

May 20-22
Three Gaits, INC in Oregon, WI 

June 1-3
High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center Inc in Old Lyme, CT

July 15-16
Ride On Center for Kids in Georgetown, Texas
 
NARHA Driving Workshops and Certifications
Workshop is held the first 3 days, certification is held the last 2 days
April 26-29
Wind Ridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Longview, Texas

June 2-4      
Horse Power in Temple, NH

June 20-22
Brave Hearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center in Harvard, IL

November 5-9
Gayla Driving Center/U.S. Driving for the Disabled, Inc., in Lexington, KY 

NARHA Vaulting Workshop and Certification
Workshop is held first 3 days and certification is held on the last day
August 25-28
Riding to the Top in Windham, ME

Mentor Training Workshop
March 26-27
Maryland Therapeutic Riding in Annapolis, MD

May 19-20
Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicapped in Bothell, WA

Please visit the NARHA calendar for a list of 2011 Registered On-Site Workshops and Certifications.

Please direct correspondence about this newsletter to NARHA News coordinator. NARHA News is a benefit of NARHA membership. No portion of this publication may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, scanned or electronic process without written permission from NARHA. NARHA reserves the right to reject, accept and edit submitted material. NARHA News is intended as an information exchange and an opportunity for communication for members in the field of equine assisted activities. The opinions, practices or products presented in NARHA News do not necessarily reflect NARHA policy, imply NARHA endorsementor comply with NARHA standards.

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