Thank the Therapeutic Horses

Film makers from New York City were in Sheridan this summer.  They were mesmerized by the sunrises and the therapeutic abilities of the horses at CHAPS:  Children, Horses, and Adults in Partnership.  They produced a short film, “Early Light” and now this creative piece about the helpful horses in Sheridan will be shown at the Wyo Theater on Thursday evening.

CHAPS is an equine-assisted therapy and learning program with adaptive and therapeutic riding and carriage driving.  It helps participants with physical difficulties such as Multiple Sclerosis, to improve their posture, balance, core strength, and muscle strength.  It helps with those with cognitive challenges such as Autism, developmental delay, Down Syndrome, and early Dementia as the rider uses both sides of the brain learning through games on the horse learning things as numbers, up and down, and colors.  Equine-assisted therapy also helps with a person’s emotions such as working through trauma, triggers, and communication barriers and skills.  Kristen Marcus, Executive Director of CHAPS said, “We want to help people with their quality of life and to overcome obstacles.” 

Currently there are 39 participants aged 5 years old through 84 years old.  Groups of veterans and equine science classes are also partaking in learning and feeling accepted by the horses which give a greater sense of peace.

“What is really exciting for us is the education piece and getting it out there that Equine Therapy is very effective,” Ms. Marcus said. The Sheridan community can learn more by attending the CHAPS fundraiser this year.  Along with the showing of the film, there will be a performance by the magician John Rotalini, and a live auction.  It is offering many items including an Armed Forces fire pit, a wheelbarrow of wine, and a hand-tooled leather clock.  The silent auction is online now.  Check out the CHAPS Facebook page.

Have an entertaining experience on Thursday evening at the Wyo Theater.  Due to Covid-19, there will only be 125 seats available.  So arrive at 7:30 p.m. to start it all off, and the film will begin at 8:00 p.m.