From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship

"Horses don't see disabilities", Andrea Colella director of From the Ground Up Therapeutic Horsemanship says, "To them its just another rider." Collela created From the Ground Up in 2002 after she says she saw the need for equine therapy in the area. Equine therapy uses horseback riding to help people with disabilities develop skills such as motor skills, planning, balance and coordination. At From the Ground Up, at Windy Hill Farm in Pompey, the riding program consists of three parts: riding, stable management and horse care, and fitness. Colella says all of the parts of the program are aimed at the riders achieving as much independence as possible.

The riders' disabilities range from blindness to autism, even people recovering from strokes. The riders, both adults and children, take lessons either individually or in groups with Colella as the instructor and five or more volunteers that act as side riders and spotters. Colella says the program would not be possible without its 80 volunteers. Donations of time aren't the only donations From the Ground Up receives. The five horses in the program, much of its equiptment, and the facility in which it takes place are all donated.