High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 6.
Owner Lauren Diltz, along with the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, introduced High Lonesome Stables to the community with a tour of the stable and property, a lesson demonstration, and a meet and greet with the horses and staff, as well as a gift raffle. Diltz’s nursing experience and love of horses has helped her pursue her desire to help others with the assistance of equines.
“I grew up riding horses and always dreamed of owning a horse farm,” she said.
Diltz received her certifications after training at Star in Lenoir City, Tenn. She is certified through PATH Intl. as a therapeutic riding instructor and equine specialist in mental health and learning.
High Lonesome Stables works with people ages 4 and older who have disabilities. Diltz and her team will teach the rider horseman skills – such as riding, tacking, grooming and feeding – as well as the different breeds, colors and about their hooves.
High Lonesome is the first center of its kind in Cherokee County. They are being welcomed with a lot of positive responses.
“I’m so proud of her,” Lauren’s mother, Denise Diltz, said with a tear in her eye while talking about her daughter’s accomplishments.
High Lonesome is an equestrian-assisted service for people with disabilities and offers hands on with the horses. All instructors are certified through PATH Intl., an organization for therapeutic riding centers in which standards must be followed to ensure quality horse care, program safety and administrative responsibility. All instructors have been trained to understand the different disabilities and how to adjust the program to benefit the individual rider.
They will begin teaching six-week lessons for riders and participants after the holidays.
Therapeutic riding provides physical, cognitive, sensory, social and emotional benefits to the rider for a multi-faceted experience. This type of riding can help with a wide variety of disabilities including but not limited to attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, autism, cerebral palsy, emotional and learning disabilities, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injury.
It was a big deal for Delaney Wilson when she was given the opportunity to groom Daniel. Delaney’s mom, Jessica, encouraged her daughter, who suffers from anxiety, to do it.
“I knew it would be good for her,” Wilson said.
Diltz has big plans in the works for the center, including a program for veterans and mini-horses that will go from location to location, including nursing homes. The nonprofit is working on gaining 501(c)3 status.
High Lonesome offers plenty of volunteer opportunities for those who are interested in working with the horses, including side-walking and as horse leaders. Groups and organizations are welcome to come out and help with projects and event, as well as help maintain the facility.
Young and old came out for the open house. They appeared to enjoy everything from the popcorn and snacks to interactions with different horses.
When asked how she thought the day was going, Diltz said, “Amazing! This is more than I thought.”
For details about therapeutic equestrian riding or to donate your time, talent or money, contact High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center at 15712 Joe Brown Highway, Murphy, NC 28906; 835-3739; or www.highlonesomestables.org.