TUFF Therapeutic Riding Foundation
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Mission Statement
To Promote the mental health of youth at risk, by providing a structured therapeutic riding program.
About This Cause
Tuff Therapeutic Riding Foundation was established to provide therapeutic riding for at risk youth in Ontario. Our youth are referred from Child Welfare, and Mental health organizations within Toronto, Caledon, Peel & Simcoe regions. We serve youth who are involved with Child Welfare services , youth struggling with mental health issues as well as the LGBTQ2+ community. Our programs have been developed to provide therapeutic riding lessons in a structured 10 week model. Participating youth are provided the opportunity to learn basic horsemanship and riding skills, while addressing specific treatment goals and issues, including; trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, ADHD, substance abuse, eating disorders, lack of self esteem, grief, post traumatic stress disorder and many other mental health issues. In addition, we support continuous learning through the development of programs that teach employable skills. We are also committed to providing co-op, and student placements as well as research opportunities. Equine Therapy is also known as Hippo-therapy is highly beneficial to youth at risk with mental health issues. The youth referred to the program represent one of Ontario’s most vulnerable populations, who are very much in need of improved access to mental health support services as well as non traditional forms of mental health support. The vast majority of the youth we serve are afflicted by various forms of trauma affecting their mental health. This population often faces a sense of hopelessness and powerlessness. The LGBTQ2+ youth also experience extreme marginalization, especially in rural communities. Without mental health support this population risks a higher rate of suicide, school failure and drop out, violence and possible interaction with the judicial system. The uniqueness of this equine mental health program requires the maintenance and care of 10 horses. These horses and their care are the center of the program and the program costs. The anticipated annual budget for the Foundation for 2022 is $375,000. The program is supported by a team of 25 volunteers and 2 part time staff. Our goal is to continue to serve more than 100 youth at risk annually. In addition we also hope to offer co-op opportunities to assist in training these youth for employable skills in the equine industry where possible. Our program staff are highly skilled in implementing this special and unique therapy. The 25 trained volunteers, ensure each youth/horse pair have support throughout their 10 week experience. The efforts of our team include our 10 amazing horses who are exceptionally trained and skilled as well in supporting our youth. The horses demonstrate respect and unconditional support, in some cases our youth have never experienced either and it is incredibly powerful for them. The horses create an environment and situation that allows the youth to feel and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. The youth often discover their ability to regulate their emotions as they work with their horses, which is both rewarding and transferable to their outside worlds. Our Board of Directors is served by a variety of leaders and experts. They help guide our vision and mission of providing mental health support to youth through horses, in a structured environment. The Board also assists in our fund-raising endeavours and outreach to the larger community. Your support will help to change lives!