Casper's Coveof 111 Walking Horse Way Casper's Cove is a 501(c)3 non-profit horseback riding program for economically disadvantaged and underprivileged children. Our mission is to promote healing, teach skills and build confidence. There are many benefits to a program such as this. Horses have a healing effect on children and people in general, they help relieve stress and bring great joy to those around them. In learning to ride, children start to believe in themselves and gain confidence. I am asking local businesses to donate items or money for our program. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. All donations are tax deductible and are a great advertising opportunity. Thank you for your involvement in the lives of children in your community.
Sincerely, Angela Cairnes Casper's Cove is an 18 acre non-profit horse ranch that offers free horseback riding lessons to economically disadvantaged youth living in Henderson, Transylvania and Buncombe counties of North Carolina. Casper's Cove mission is to promote healing, teach skills, and build confidence for youth ages 6-18 through horseback riding. Horseback riding is a recreational therapeutic activity that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages. In order to acquire true horsemanship skills, the rider must learn communication skills necessary to create a partnership with a 1,200 pound animal and thus confidence to control other aspects of their lives. Many riders experience a connection to the horse that few sports can replicate. Horse and rider develop a bond that can help fill void in their lives. Horseback riding provides both physical and emotional benefits. Horseback riding nurtures a positive self image allowing a rider to reach their full potential in other aspects of their life. Riders may for the first time in their lives experience independence and a sense of being part of a team. Other equine therapy programs are available to mentally and physically disabled populations near this ranch. However, Casper's Cove is the only program that serves troubled and disadvantaged youth. Casper's Cove is located in an area with an abundance of horse farms, private ranches, and other horse-related industries. Despite the abundance, a lack of financial resources often deny many youth access to the physical and emotional benefits available through horseback riding, an opportunity all should enjoy. Based in Henderson County Casper's Cove was founded to address a need for the area's youth. Disadvantaged and troubled youth are identified and referred through the Appalachian Counseling Program and local school guidance counselors. For example, school guidance counselors select youth that they are working with who are on free lunch and Medicaid programs. Youth participants from Appalachian Counseling are often in the care of Department of Social Services or have deeply rooted problems. Casper's Cove's partnering with the schools is beneficial because the Annual Dropout Event Report for School Year 2006-2007 presented to the NC State Board of Education is 23,550 students - or 5.24% of students in grades nine through 12. The skills the youth will learn at Casper's Cove will make them more successful in school. Pennsylvania State University Department of Dairy and Animal Science partnered with American Youth Horse Council to conduct a research study on the impact of equine activities on youth development. The study indicated that about 25% of youth's life skills development is attributable to their development of horsemanship skills. Youth who learned horsemanship skills showed better decision-making thinking, communication, goal-setting and problem solving. You will gain these transferable skills at Casper's Cove.
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