Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicapped
Filed Under From our Grantees
In 2004 the Sagebrush Equine Training Center for the Handicapped, (SETCH), received a grant from the Gibney Family Foundation for the purpose of purchasing a new horse for the therapeutic riding program. SETCH is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit Idaho corporation dedicated to improving the minds, bodies and spirits of challenged individuals by providing a unique form of therapy and recreation through the use of the horse. The facility, located in Hailey, Idaho, serves over 400 individuals annually that carry diagnostic labels ranging from mild learning problems to serious conditions such as quadriplegia.
The Gibney family has been a pleasure to work with because of their dedication to learn about our organization and willingness to address our goals and challenges. I was pleased that two trustees from the foundation attended a SETCH demonstration lunch that afforded me the opportunity to show them the facility and discuss our programs face to face! As a result of our meeting, I was invited to apply for a matching grant. The Gibney Family Foundation agreed to fund the purchase of a much needed therapy horse if we could find a party interested in matching their gift. As part of the live auction at our annual benefit dinner/dance we challenged the attendees and were successful.
Thanks to the generosity of the Gibney Family Foundation, the Sagebrush students are a testament to Winston Churchill’s quote, “the best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse”. Their continued support has allowed SETCH to grow and improve the quality of its programs.
Kristy Pigeon