Published: February 07, 2008 04:18 pm            

Prospect Mountain ‘rocks'

Prospect Mountain? "It ROCKS!"

At least that is what Taylor Smith says. Taylor is an 11-year-old attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) student from Scurry/Rosser ISD.

The not-for-profit Prospect Mountain therapy center in Kaufman County is "rockin" along with classes that began Feb. 2. There are plans for one nine-week and three 11-week sessions for 2008. Classes are scheduled on Saturdays at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. with the option to expand days and hours as needed. Each class will last 45-60 minutes to fulfill the individuals’ needs/goals for that lesson. As of Jan. 25, 18 students and 40 volunteers had applied.

A second volunteer training was held Jan. 26, with the majority being nursing students from the Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) Health Sciences Department in Kaufman. The students are required to perform a certain number of community based service hours as part of their training curriculum. Their knowledge base and positive attitudes are a great asset to Prospect Mountain; even the timid remarked, "I can do this."

One student, "Bambi," is working on a project to help educate communities on what equine assisted therapy is and what it can give to the special needs population. The different personalities and strengths combined will "make the difference," as Ann White (TVCC student) voiced as one of her goals for volunteering. Prospect Mountain offers and encourages the participation of students, college or high school.

"Therapeutic riding is good for the heart, mind and soul," says Ms. Lisenby, instructor. "Not only does a person’s muscle and balance control improve, but there can be a big difference in attitude. The student can learn improved intrapersonal skills and self control. The all around positive experience between students, volunteers, horses and the instructor enhances trust and self esteem."

Prospect Mountain would like to acknowledge its current sponsors: Mr. and Mrs. Miller (donated safety helmets), Mr. and Mrs. Taylor (donated TV for raffle), Howard Mount (built the bridle holders, doors and shelves), Gene Smith (funds toward saddles and welding help), Bob Lisenby (hard work building the tack room and facilities) and Wal-Mart (money to purchase a 3-in-1 printer).

If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer or know of a person of special needs that could benefit from Prospect Mountain’s service, please email them at contactus@pmtrc.org or call (972) 452-3337. For more information please check out their website at www.pmtrc.org.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.