Connected Horse is an amazing organization providing a unique equine-based program for those individuals with cognitive impairment/dementia and their caregivers. This is a unique evidence based program developed by two amazing and dedicated women, Nancy Schier Anzelmo and Paula Hertel, who are experts in aging and elder care, as well as expert equestrians and who have a passion for the work they do. Their research at Stanford University and University of California Davis sets a solid foundation for this evidenced based program, which is offered at no cost to its participants.
I recently experienced the program first-hand with my husband who has been diagnosed with Age-Related Mild Cognitive Impairment and can truly say this program is remarkable! The outcomes of connection with the power and gentleness of the horse assist in making an improved and/or a deeper connection with the individual and his/her caregiver. This results in less stress, less anxiety, increased socialization, and I believe ultimately less depression and loneliness for both the individual and the caregiver, hence a better quality of life.
As a retired health professional, former equestrian and now a care-giver, I carefully choose where I spend my volunteer hours and Connected Horse is the organization that makes my heart sing. CH works to provide hope and healing to those facing the challenges of cognitive impairment and dementia as they age. The program is offered at no cost to participants because of fundraising efforts and grants. I encourage you to support this valuable and growing program.
Connected Horse has touched the lives of so many! As a volunteer at the original Stanford University program, I saw firsthand the impact of the program on the participants. I’m thankful to be apart of this community, and can’t wait to see the growth and impact of Connected Horse.
The Connected Horse program offers a unique experience that is the first of its kind in the country. A non pharmacological approach to support those living with a dementia diagnosis and their care partners. The mission of the organization is focused on strengthening social bonds and to combat loneliness, depression and isolation, which is prevalent with the 7 million Americans on this journey. The Barn workshops and Barn Connection at home program creates the uplifting and activating experience of connection with horses and with others. The evidence derived program was created after 3+ years of pilot research to bring the program to every community to provide hope and a new perspective to those served.. Volunteering for this program has been a rewarding and life enriching experience that has created a lasting impression of hope and activation as a professional.
I have had the pleasure of working with Connected Horse for the past five years, and I have been consistently impressed by their dedication to their mission, the quality of their programs, and the positive impact they make on the lives of the people they serve.
The programs help alleviate the isolation and depression commonly associated with dementia and for the caregiver who is also feeling isolation and depression. Connected Horse programs achieve this by providing equine-supported workshops, Barn Connection engagement kits for home use, and virtual barn activities. These resources are a great way for older adults with dementia and their care partners to stay connected with the Connected Horse community and continue to benefit from the program's therapeutic benefits.
Connected Horse's programs are also a valuable resource for the community. They offer a safe and supportive space for people with dementia and their care partners to come together, socialize, and learn new skills. The programs also help to raise awareness of dementia and caregiving, and they provide opportunities for volunteers to get involved and make a difference.
I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that Connected Horse's programs can have on people's lives. For example, I worked with a couple where the husband had dementia and the wife was his primary caregiver. They were both feeling isolated and overwhelmed. After participating in Connected Horse's programs, they reported feeling more connected to each other, more confident in their ability to manage the challenges of dementia, and more hopeful about the future.
I am confident that Connected Horse is a worthy organization of your support. They are making a real difference in the lives of older adults with dementia and their care partners, and they need your help to continue their important work.
I had the privilege of witnessing Connected Horse in action and to be part of the program for almost a year now. Their mission to provide researched-backed equine therapy to individuals with early-stage dementia and their care partners is truly incredible. This organization is exceptionally well-run and organized. In just a short time, I've seen firsthand the profound impact it has on people's lives. The positive changes it brings to those it serves are remarkable. Kudos to Connected Horse for their outstanding work in this critical area!
Volunteering for the Connected Horse project has been a life changing experience for me. I am an equine veterinarian and have had the pleasure of working with many exceptional organizations benefitting horses, and the Connected Horse experience has been the most meaningful to me. I have witnessed first hand the incredible healing and teaching power of the horse, and this program gives back in so many ways. The CH team is working to provide hope and healing for those facing the diagnosis of dementia, and they are giving horses a truly critical societal role. I highly encourage you to become involved, and to support this amazing organization.
Connected Horse uses the power of equines to improve the lives of individuals with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers. There are many aspects to this non-profit that are truly unique--the outcomes are validated by Stanford University and University of California, Davis. They include increased engagement, less depression and anxiety and improved connection between the person with MCI and the caregiver. This non-profit offers the program at no cost through grants and fundraising efforts.
I am committed to being part of this program by becoming a facilitator and using my two horses for this program. There are more and more individuals being diagnosed with many types of dementia, and a huge caregiver crisis in the U.S. and globally. Family caregivers are under a tremendous amount of stress caring for their loved ones. This program alleviates stress and strengthens relationships--not only by being around the horses but following the evidence-based program developed by the Connected Horse team who have years of experience with older adults and dementia. It is crucial that this program continues to grow!
The programs designed and delivered by Connected Horse are uniquely powerful for people who have been newly diagnosed with dementia, and their essential caregivers. At the core, their intelligent and thoughtful program provides all participants with new tools and mindful practice that aims to bring peace, and a relationship reset.
As someone who has cared for and lost loved ones to dementia, and who has personally experienced the healing nature of horses, I am honored to be affiliated with this organization. Created by two exceptional women who are professionals in the field of neurologic development in the elderly, and who have hearts as big as the universe, this is a brilliant, intelligent, and evidence-based approach. This is not a program where you may 'think' it's helpful--it's a proven, thoughtful, precise method with published data and research, developed in partnership with Stanford University and University of California, Davis. This scientific rigor distinguishes it as a distinctive equine-assisted approach to healing hearts and creating peace. Join me in supporting Connected Horse to continuously grow its reach and deepen its impact. #Grateful
Connected Horse has a very special place in my heart. I have lost a friend and a relative to dementia, and have seen firsthand the benefits this program has offered, not only to the person with dementia but to the caregiver as well. As a volunteer and donor to this amazing non-profit, I highly recommend Connected Horse!
Connected Horse provides innovative, research supported equine-assisted workshops, in-home engagement kits and training that inspires connection and improves the lives of those affected by dementia and memory loss.
Now more that ever, our programs are helping to combat loneliness and isolation providing people living with dementia and their care partners an opportunity to experience a sense of belonging, acceptance and hope as they continue their journey. We rely on volunteers and donors to help us expand our programs throughout the US.