Strides,

from p. 6

For example, funding will be available to provide equine assisted services for veterans, and veteran retreats associated with The Highground Veterans Memorial Park.

“There are many veterans who are looking for mental health services. We want to be able to give back for what they’ve done. This is our way of giving back,” said Heidi.

Freedom Ranch will also help fund Strides’ horse-powered reading program. Horse-powered reading integrates social-emotional learning with academics, allowing students to see and experience reading with their entire body by creating metaphors for the skills involved in reading. Students interact with horses from the ground, while using manipulatives and props to identify reading obstacles and learn critical reading skills such as phonemics.

A seven-member board governs Freedom Ranch and determines how funds will be allocated.

There will be a fundraiser this Saturday, Jan. 13, to raise money for Freedom Ranch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Strides Equestrian Center, W6801 Colby Factory Road, Greenwood.

The event will include sleigh rides, a sensory trail for kids, campfire and s’mores, animal visits, art and yoga activities, equine assisted service information, raffles and door prizes, and a horse-powered reading demo. Chili and macaroni and cheese will be available. For more information, email freedomranchwi@gmail.com.

More about Heidi and Jason Lenz Heidi holds a master’s degree in education and leadership, and is a certified therapeutic riding instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, certified through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), trained in trauma-informed care from Natural Lifemanship, and is pursuing a master’s degree in social work.

Jason worked as an electrician for more than five years and received his journeyman’s license. He also spent about 14 years running his own construction and excavating business.

Heidi and Jason have two teenage sons who are also involved in helping with the business.

Above left, Dutton and Star stand ready to greet visitors at Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center. Above right, the large heated indoor arena provides an ideal location for equine assisted services and therapeutic riding. The center will host a “Winter Wonderland” event Saturday at W6801 Colby Factory Road, Greenwood. More information about the event and about Strides in general can be found at StridesCenter.com.

VALORIE BRECHT/STAFF PHOTO