About Freedom Friends, Inc.

At Freedom Friends, a registered instructor and trained volunteers provide a therapeutic and recreational horseback riding program for physically and mentally challenged students, children and adults. Instructors are required to take a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education annually to maintain registered status.

Incorporated in the State of Tennessee as a non-profit organization on November 3, 2000, Freedom Friends received federal tax exemption on October 15, 2001 as a publicly supported organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Freedom Friends is one of over 725 operating centers of the non-profit North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) which provides the guidelines and standards for accreditation, certification, education resources, and published materials for a program designed to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people with disabilities. Benefits are provided in therapy, education, sport and recreation. The therapeutic qualities are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Years of scientific research has proven that horseback riding is the only treatment modality that a physical therapist can use that will precisely imitate the human gait. Physically, riders show improved balance, strengthened muscles, improved coordination, faster reflexes and better motor control. Equine assisted therapy helps students with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, emotional disturbances, impaired vision or hearing, orthopedic conditions, Down's syndrome and learning disabilities. Psychologically, grooming, riding or driving allows a general sense of well being, improved confidence, increased interest in the outside world, increased interest in one's own life, development of patience, better emotional control and self-discipline, and a greater sense of normality. The horse brings more freedom to all riders.

Freedom Friends is indeed fortunate to have a dedicated cadre of volunteers. Margaret Perry of Huntland, a former volunteer and Board member offered the following commentary:

The most amazing observation is the development in our challenged charges of self-confidence derived from communicating with horses. According to their own level, whether riding, handling, or grooming, each comes away with a new sense of pride. One of our young men with a communication problem immediately formed an intimate relationship with the horse, enabling him to become a focused, skilled and very enthusiastic rider. Confidence in communicating with the horse improved his communication skills with people, particularly his ability to listen.

Balance is developed with those who once teetered on top at the start of their classes and what a thrill it is to be able to say "Yes, you are doing it!" It would be hard to illustrate all of the improved motor, balance, and cognitive skills that we see. To listen and follow directions is also emphasized and they do understand the necessity of it when working with horses. Lovable as horses are, their mere size commands the respect of our students.

This is a positive program where all have a wonderfully good time but the results are marvelous and the acquired skills in all facets are applicable to everyday life. For that reason alone, it is my primary and most rewarding way of contributing and also being enriched in return in so many ways, all the while having so much fun! I hope many of you will join us as students or volunteers.

Individuals, civic clubs, churches, and businesses are encouraged to contribute financially to the non-profit program to benefit the students and support over 20 volunteer workers. Funds are used to defray operating costs including insurance, state fees, student riding equipment, horse care, training activities and materials, etc. Monetary donations are tax deductible.

For student enrollment at any time or other information, contact Joseph or Jean Fergus at 931-455-3928 or email at jjranch@bellsouth.net .