Industry Professional Members THE MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL
MEMBER NEWS
Te following was provided by Promise Landing Farm: On Saturday December 7, Promise Landing Farm hosted its first
one-day clinic for the organization’s new Patriot’s Promise program at its headquarters location in Upper Marlboro. Patriot’s Promise is a new ini- tiative to serve veterans, active-military, law enforcement and first responders (Patriots) through equine-assisted services. Boasting the motto “Never Give Up,” this program aims to serve those who have served, by offering activities designed to empower, develop emotional awareness and control, and improve cognitive, physical, and social skills. Seven veterans, recruited through Prince
George’s Parks and Recreation Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program stepped up as the inaugural class of Patriots for this first clinic session, held at the scenic Prom- ise Landing Farm which was decked to the eaves in holiday trimmings. A small horse named “Dollar” greeted each attendee as they arrived, and politely evaluated who was most likely to be guilted into sharing donuts. “Donuts and Discussion” kicked off the agenda, lead by Executive Di-
rector and lead instructor for this event, Caitlin Martin, who shared an overview of horse safety tips, the schedule for the day, and group in- troductions of participants, volunteers and instructors. Ten the Patriots were each paired with their horse and a volunteer assistant. Te oppor- tunity for these “Patriots” to be assigned a horse, as well as a volunteer for the duration of the 3-hour event, is a unique clinic design offered by Promise Landing. Tis setup allows Patriots to not only bond with their horse throughout the day, but also receive one-on-one support on each new skill and activity introduced. After horse assignments, the group relocated to a large grassy space
with ground poles and grooming supplies set out. While the temps stayed in the low 30s, the sunshine took the bite out of the air, and all bundled Patriots proved great sports about the chilly weather. Te lead instructor guided the group through basic handling and
grooming, and then introduced methods and exercises for leading, back- ing and yielding. Each Patriot was given the opportunity to practice and hone each skill, while their volunteer assisted with execution and tech- niques. After practicing isolated exercises, everyone demonstrated their new skills navigating an obstacle course consisting of a rope gate, backing box, weaving cones, foot placement test, and zigzag challenge. Te group then set out on an in-hand walk through the fields and
trails, over bridges and hills, to end back at the barn. It was apparent the Patriots had become more confident and skilled in handling their horses than upon first meeting their hooved partners. Te day wrapped up with a final grooming as horses were put away, and a debrief of favorite aspects of the event. A few comments were made about both the facility and program itself being unlike any other in the
area, and many of the participants were impressed with the extended time they were able to spend working with the horses. A lunch donated by Mission Barbecue allowed the new friends to warm up and socialize, and cap off the successful first event. Patriot’s Promise will offer regularly scheduled one-day clinics like this one, as well as a weekly group lesson where in addition to the effects of one-off equine interactions, there is opportunity for ca- maraderie, social engagement, consistency of skill building, and relationship develop- ment with the horse over multi-week ses- sions. Clinically proven benefits of equine- assisted activities include, but are not limited to: targeting many common PTSD issues such as feelings of isolation, anxiety, self-esteem, and trust; similar changes to brain chemistry as with medication-assist- ed approaches; development of trust and bonding for transitioning to civilian life;
and a sense of control. Additionally, such improvements have shown to be long-lasting after the initial experience. While Patriot’s Promise may just be getting off the ground, its debut
has proven that Promise Landing is setting the bar high for its new pro- gram. Promise Landing aims to create a community in which people of all capabilities can gather and share a love for horses, while in the process gaining a deeper understanding and kindness for themselves and others, and this program clearly embodies every aspect of that goal. Promise Landing extends a heartfelt thank you to the PG County
Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies program, as well as the dedicated vol- unteers who offered their time, and gave such focus to their Patriot to ensure positive experiences for each of the attendees. For more informa- tion about volunteer, participant, or support opportunities with the Pa- triot’s Promise program at Promise Landing Farm, please contact info@
promiselandingfarm.com
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
by Kimberly K. Egan, MHC President Winter is a time when many of us become viscerally aware of the limi-
tations of our barns, or suffer from the lack of a barn altogether. We are blessed in Maryland to have Quarry View Building Group on our back step, the family-owned, Pennsylvania-based, construction management and barn building company. Te founders of the company and many of its staff grew up with horses, which means their barns are designed with the health of the horse in mind, as well as the spaces necessary for a properly functioning barn. Quarry View Design Consultant Jane DelBianco, who is also a horse
person, is a font of knowledge about design considerations that even the most experienced horse person may not have considered. Tough one will “never regret having a dry barn,” as she explains on the company’s website, there is much more to a good barn than that.
mdhorsecouncil.org 42 | JANUARY 2025 | THE EQUIERY YOUR MARYLAND HORSE COUNCIL PUBLICATION 800-244-9580 |
www.equiery.com
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