Horses for Healing (HFH) is reaching out to the local community for volunteers to help make a positive difference in the lives of children with special needs across Northwest Arkansas. HFH’s Fall Session begins on September 10 with over 100 children planning to attend therapy classes Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

HFH provides equine-assisted therapy to children with special needs which helps them grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. Volunteers receive the privilege of seeing these young lives change each week as a unique bond is formed between child and horse. Volunteers work with children by helping them make horse-related crafts in a classroom setting and by walking alongside a child as they ride their horse. But the volunteer’s greatest impact is the positive influence and relationship they build with the children.

“Volunteering at Horses for Healing is such a unique experience,” said Executive Director Linda Brown. “Our volunteers get to see so many life-changing moments. We have children who say their first words while riding a horse and there are those who have taken their first steps because of the physical strength, balance, and coordination they gain from riding. Anyone who loves children will be deeply touched by the difference they can make by spending as little as three hours here a week.”

New volunteer orientation classes will be held from 9:00 a.m. till Noon on Wednesday, and Thursday, September 5 and 6, and on Thursday evening, September 6  from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. New volunteers must attend only one of these classes. Make up days are available. No horse experience is needed, only a love for children.

Horses for Healing is located at 14673 Daniels Road in Bentonville. Anyone interested in volunteering may call the barn at (479) 795-0570 or Volunteer Coordinator, Pam Rains at (479) 236-3823 or visit www.horsesforhealingnwa.org.