The relationship between human being and animal can teach people more than they think about compassion, perspective and overcoming the anxiety and post-traumatic stress created by negative …
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The relationship between human being and animal can teach people more than they think about compassion, perspective and overcoming the anxiety and post-traumatic stress created by negative experiences.
Many believe there is no stronger symbiotic relationship between human and animal than the one a rider feels coming into rhythm with a thoroughbred in full gallop.
Holding on to find out what comes next is sometimes easier said than done, but at the Scottsdale-based Hunkapi Programs learning to care for and ride a horse can spring a new foundation of hope.
“We are all about teaching the world to fear less and love more using horses,” said Hunkapi Programs Founder and Executive Director Terra Schaad.
“We offer therapeutic riding, life skills, and equine-assisted psychotherapy to children and adults in the Phoenix Valley and beyond. We believe that horses give us the opportunity to face our fears and move through them.”
Turns out, Hunkapi is the Lokata word for the phrase, “we are all related,” Ms. Shaad explains.
“It emerged after Dr. Debra Crews completed three years of research investigating the effect of sport on kids with special needs,” said Ms. Schaad. “Of all the sports she studied, horseback riding had the most positive response on self-esteem and attentional focus. She decided to start a community-based program at Arizona State University in 1999, employed me as her program director and we began marketing it to the community.”
The Hunkapi Programs, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is seeking to “teach the world to fear less and love more.” The goal of Hunkapi, officials there say, is to teach programs to help those struggling with emotional, behavioral and physical challenges.
And, since 1999 Hunkapi Programs has been geared toward an outreach organization seeking to help those in need through a conscientious approach to caring for the equine species.
“We want to make horses accessible to all humans despite physical, geographical, or socioeconomic barriers,” Ms. Schaad said.
“That is why we have committed to staying in Scottsdale, right off Loop 101. We are committed to serving all individuals with physical and emotional challenges, but most of our days are spent working with children and adults with trauma from a physical injury, life-threatening diagnosis, or abuse.”
--- Terra Schaad
Ms. Schaad contends the experience can help those recovering from both emotional and physical abuse feel alive, safe and independent again.
“No change can happen if a being doesn’t feel safe,” she explains.
“Our therapists, behavioral health techs, and therapeutic riding instructors use our unique somatic approach to work to first establish a sense of safety with the horse. Once that is created and the client feels like they are safe and in control of the reins, the therapeutic experience is limitless in working on following directions, boundaries, assertiveness, social skills, and other therapeutic goals.”
The Charro connection
For nearly 60 years, the Scottsdale Charros have been in constant pursuit of improving the lives of Scottsdale residents while preserving the community’s ties to its western heritage.
The Scottsdale Charros, through The Charro Foundation, provided Hunkapi Programs a $5,000 grant to help shoulder costs for Scottsdale youth to participate in the Special Olympics this April.
“We are grateful and want to be a big part of what Scottsdale has to offer to the community,” Ms. Schaad pointed out. “We want to be a living, breathing reminder of the power of the horse in creating the western culture of Scottsdale and a healing resource to our community.”
Scottsdale Charro Shane Alexander believes in the power of the Hunkapi Programs.
“I believe that horseback riding provides multiple areas of therapy,” he said.
“Naturally we can understand the physical benefits such as the strength to mount a horse and using core muscles to maintain our balance. I also believe there are psychological and emotional benefits such as gained self-esteem and patience. Horses have an innate sense of who is in control --- earning that respect from a horse can be quite rewarding.”
--- Shane Alexander
Mr. Alexander offered his support of The Charro Foundation grant application to Hunkapi.
“I believe that the Hunkapi programs directly align with our philanthropic mission as Scottsdale Charros,” he explained of his support of the effort.
“First of all, they deepen our western heritage by promoting the use of horses and horseback riding in the heart of Scottsdale. Secondly, they cater to multiple groups in need such as at-risk youth and ALS patients providing unique therapy sessions that you cannot get elsewhere.”
From day-to-day operations to events, Mr. Alexander, explains Hunkapi is based on a certain foundation of perspective.
“What I have noticed is they base all of their efforts on a solid set of values,” he said.
“One example is their Hoedown at the farm. It is a farm-to-table dinner entirely sourced from organic locally harvested food that is in season. Throughout the dinner, Hunkapi’s Executive Director, Terra Schaad gives small talks through each course recognizing and being mindful for the land and the people that worked hard to provide the food everyone was enjoying.”
Mr. Alexander contends the Hunkapi Programs in Scottsdale is a special place amongst the fast-paced life of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
“Hunkapi provides a unique service that is not easily reproducible in a metropolitan environment,” he said. “They show respect and cherish the land and animals that help them, in turn, provide benefit to many in need.”
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