(Pottawattamie Co.) Kori Nelson, Executive Director of Horses Help Southwest Iowa, provided an update on their program to the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning.
Horses Help Southwest Iowa, a nonprofit that officially opened in the fall of 2023, provides equine interactions and adaptive riding sessions for individuals with Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, stroke-related conditions, grief, anxiety, depression, and PTSD through the healing power of horses.
Their mission is to provide equine-assisted sessions in a safe and inclusive environment.
Nelson said equine therapy dates back centuries, and equine-assisted learning is the fastest growing equine business in the nation.
Nelson noted that equine therapies are generally not covered by medical insurance. She explained that a typical adaptive riding session costs $150, but they only charge $50. They are able to keep sessions as affordable as possible through donations and the generosity of individuals in the community.
