Dennis Snook
Executive Director
Saddles of Joy, Inc. is a therapeutic riding program dedicated to introducing Children, or any person with the desire to the joy and value of one of Earth's most beautiful creations, "The Horse". Saddles of Joy started in 1985 as an idea between a mother and a special education teacher and two horses. In the beginning, the horses were transported to Wellton, Arizona where the horses and special needs children were brought together with wondrous results.
As the program grew, more horses as well as volunteers were added to assist with the daily and weekly sessions. For the first 15 years, the founders had been supporting the program with personal out-of-pocket expenses. Saddles of Joy was incorporated at the beginning of 2000 as a non-profit organization due to the cost of operation and manpower needed to keep the program going.
WHAT WE DO
Call/Text: 928-287-1148
We desire to educate the community and/or any interested party about the therapeutic value of horses and riders. Be it child or adult, we continue with education in horsemanship and care of the horse at the level of understanding and physical ability of our riders. We here at Saddles of Joy, Inc. acknowledge the level of success is simply putting the two together, horse and rider, with a positive result.
We allow the gentle nature of our four-legged therapists to produce any or all healing, be it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. That is what therapeutic riding at this level is all about. It is our hope and desire here at Saddles of Joy, Inc. that as we provide this service, we are improving the quality of life for both horse and rider, as well as producing a bond of healing.
Special needs children have an opportunity to experience horseback riding, either as part of a classroom experience through their school or individually through personal appointments and sometimes both. The children and volunteers may participate in public events including the Silver Spur Rodeo and associated Parade, Veterans Day Parade, Hank Days Parade, annual open houses, and other demonstrations and presentations throughout the local community.
Deana Salter
Vice President
Volunteer: Leo M. Allison, Angie S.
Senior Volunteer: Jake Holman, Shelly Holeman, Tatum, Emma
Advisory Board: Connie Clark
Directors: Sharon Verbeck
Paula Snook
Volunteer Coordinator
A special bond between a horse and human can facilitate amazing changes. Increased self-confidence and self-esteem as well as increased communication skills where they previously may have been lacking. The warmth and rhythm of the horse can help the rider with their flexibility, strength, and balance.
Executive Director
Dennis Snook
*****
Board of Directors
Jaimie Hadley-President
Deana Salter-Vice President
Barbara Wells- Treasurer
Jim Adler- Secretary
Paula Snook- Volunteer Coordinator
Angela Matthews - Asst. Volunteer Coordinator
Barbara Wells
Treasurer
Jim Adler
Secretary
Jamie Hadley
President
WHO WE ARE