Are You Ready to Retire Your Horse?  

By Jan Hancock

The grand opening for the Arizona Humane Societyís headquarters of the Equestrian Therapy Program for youth this past month was an eye-opening experience.  I was glad I took the time to attend this special event.

These facilities have brand new, very impressive stables, riding arenas, bridle paths, wash racks, and everything a Ritz Carlton-grade equestrian facility could have for your well-mannered, healthy horse who needs a retirement home.

Horses in the program receive outstanding care and daily exercise as they are used in programs for juveniles who are experiencing behavioral problems   The youth therapy is provided by professional social workers and very skillful psychologists and counselors who also happen to be accomplished equestrians.

The new, expansive campus flanks the northern slopes of South Mountain Park, the worldís largest municipal park, and the facilities offer all types of pet adoptions, clinics, and shelter admissions every day.  The large complex has received tremendous financial support from the Stardust Foundation as well as the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

The stables are located at 1521 West Dobbins Road in Phoenix, which is south of Baseline Road at 15th Avenue.  The Equestrian Therapy Program is beginning to recruit the horses that are going to be used for the youth programs at the facility, which has been named the Nina Mason Pulliam Campus for Compassion.  

Visitors may tour the facilities any time from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, and if youíd like to see your name or your horseís named on a brick as you walk through the campus to the stable, special donor forms are available in the main office as you enter the campus.

For more information about the Equestrian Therapy Program you may contact the South Mountain campus directly at 602-997-7586, or visit the Arizona Humane Societyís website at www.azhumane.org