THERAPY-Eula Yeoman helps hold son Caleb on a horse during an Alleghany Trail Blazers session. In the background are (from left) Bob Westlund, Jenny Reborchick (obscured behind horse) and Charlie Bare. Blazing a new trail

Equestrian nonprofit aids those with disabilities

Volunteers are needed to work with Alleghany Trail Blazers Inc., a nonprofit organization that assists individuals with various disabilities through the use of horses for therapy. Alleghany Trail Blazers, Inc. is located on the site of Triple E Stables in Glade Valley-and according to family and its board members- is the realization of the dream of the late Susan McCarthy Mimbs Billings, a Glade Valley woman who tragically lost her life in an auto accident in 2004.

Stacy Evans-who is currently leasing the land from the Mimbs children- commented, "She had the dream of the therapeutic center. When we opened the stables, these kids kept on coming and wanting to participate more and more. I saw such a demand for it that I knew it was a really good thing that I wanted to help carry out. We're trying to accomplish a program that would help those challenged by emotional, physical and other disabilities."

Although Alleghany Trail Blazers did not attain their nonprofit status until Jan. 19, the organization was serving the public prior to that date, he said.

Individuals who currently serve on the organization's board of directors are Evans, Larry Cox, Jane McCarthy, June Thomas, Michelle Cox, Melissa Evans, Larry Kupner, David Brown and Marcy Brown. Jenny Reborchick, who serves as an instructor in training, interjected, "Instead of focusing on disabilities, focus on the abilities which they do acquire after being on a horse, being in a therapy program. You take folks, not just children, but adults too, that may have mental and physical challenges. Some things that people don't see-developing compassion for animals, which transfers over to compassion for human beings developing."

 

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