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Today, the organization is operated by a dedicated and professionally trained team of staff and volunteers, led by a program director. The organization adheres to the safety, training, equipment, and instructional standards set by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horse Play Inc. Program Director Hollie Holder stated that the organization provides three program options: therapeutic riding and horsemanship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur mission is simple but powerful: to help children build strength, refine motor skills, and grow in independence and self-confidence,\u201d she explained. \u201cThrough connections with horses and our volunteers and staff, they develop emotional resilience and bonds that last long after their time with us. And thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we\u2019re proud to offer this experience at no cost to our participants.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Holder, a certified PATH International Instructor herself, began working with Horse Play Inc. as a volunteer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA friend of mine volunteered with Horse Play, and our kids were the same age,\u201d she stated. \u201cShe knew that I had horses and that I knew a little bit about them. I\u2019ve always loved volunteer work, even as a kid, and so with my children, I wanted to incorporate that into their daily lives, so it started from there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holder continued to rise through her volunteer efforts with the organization, becoming an instructor and then program director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn 2020, I became the program director, and I have been doing that ever since,\u201d said Holder. \u201cWith my knowledge of horses, I knew I could be helpful in that area. I came to help with the horses, but I fell in love with working with the kids, and I rejoice when I see how they grow each year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Growth of all kinds is something the organization has enjoyed watching take place over the last three decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have continued to grow over the last 30 years,\u201d explained Holder. \u201cWe have been able to serve around 50-plus children a year. We expanded sessions thanks to our covered arena. In the beginning, we were only able to hold sessions in good weather, but now we are able to hold classes in the spring, summer, and fall. Class sessions have also been extended from six to eight weeks. And there are now staff to care for the horses, whereas it was always volunteers before. With our needs that have \u201cWe always need volunteers,\u201d she stated. \u201cOur biggest need for volunteers is working with children. We need people to side walk with the children to provide them safety and help reinforce the lesson. We also need individuals with horse-handling and care experience.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holder added that volunteers are needed in all areas. The organization\u2019s website also has a wish list for items that can be purchased and donated to the nonprofit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those unable to volunteer, the organization hosts several fundraisers throughout the year that the community can support, such as Horse Play Inc.\u2019s annual \u201cHorsing Around with Kids\u201d luncheon, Pony Plop, camps, field trips, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holder has invested almost a decade in helping the organization, and she said she has grown in many ways with Horse Play Inc. She invites the community to join and share the fun and joy Horse Play Inc. brings to all who are involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI have gained knowledge about children with disabilities,\u201d she said. \u201cI am a better mother and aunt because I\u2019m able to see what children need and better ways of handling certain behaviors because of my time with Horse Play,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve learned better ways of communicating with children and how to take better care of the animals that I have. I\u2019ve grown as a person in my compassion and kindness because of my time here. I have also gained skills that I didn\u2019t know that I had because of taking on all these different roles. I\u2019ve grown each year into a better instructor, program director, and person.\u201d GN<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" EQUINE ASSISTED Services offers profound physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits for individuals of all ages, especially children. It enhances balance, coordination, and muscle tone while fostering confidence and independence. A horse\u2019s rhythmic movement stimulates neurological function, aiding those with motor or sensory challenges. For kids, it\u2019s both fun and therapeutic \u2014 building strength and focus […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":24459,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24456","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/tullahoma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/11\/6-1024x683.jpg\")
grown, there came a need for permanent staff. It\u2019s growing slowly, but surely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/tullahoma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/11\/3-1-1024x683.jpg\")