Give Back Spotlight: Wine, Dine, & Equine

Lola MagazineCaroline Hendrix, Community

Since 1997, the Arc Caddo-Bossier’s GREAT Program (Great Results Equine-Assisted Therapies) has been offering therapeutic horseback riding services to children and adults with disabilities. They are excited to host the Wine, Dine and Equine: “Celebrate the 318” event. It will take place on Oct. 23 from 6-10 p.m. at The Lot in downtown Shreveport. A gourmet food court, sponsored by Biscotti’s at Lewis Gifts, will feature a multi-station food sampling provided by local chefs paired with local farms. Live music will be provided by Seth Bradford and The Good News. Additionally, there will be a live and silent auction with items from Medina Interiors, Red River Range, McCary’s Jewelers, Antler Shed Deer Blinds, 8445 Med Spa, Shreveport Eye Specialists, Corner Collection on Line, Louisiana Landscape Concepts and more.

Great Results Equine Assisted Therapies (GREAT) offers equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities. Services include therapeutic horseback riding lessons, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and inclusive summer camps. Equine-assisted services provide opportunities to improve physical and mental health. They offer benefits for people with disabilities, including increased strength and coordination, improved social skills and an opportunity for recreational activities. These proven outcomes not only benefit the person with disabilities but also their families and our community. The horses at GREAT are an essential part of the program. Interacting with the horses helps our participants to develop mutual trust, respect, affection and unconditional acceptance.

GREAT is a member of PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) and all instructors are PATH certified and trained to teach and guide students in a way that contributes to their overall health and well-being. Volunteers help GREAT to provide therapeutic riding services to the community. They assist with lessons, help with horse care and support our students and instructors. The Arc Caddo-Bossier’s GREAT Program operates in a 37,000 square foot covered arena, equine center and office complex on 30 acres of beautiful land in Greenwood, LA.  GREAT strives for a fun, safe environment and encourages students to focus on their unique abilities.

The Arc Caddo-Bossier is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving Shreveport/Bossier and surrounding areas since 1954. It exists to “Build Unlimited Opportunities for People with Disabilities,” and does so through an array of services. In addition to equine-assisted services, The Arc Caddo-Bossier offers an inclusive child development center (The Goldman School), residential services, advocacy/public policy, employment services (Frost Industries) and more. It is our goal for each person served to be engaged in their communities and to thrive in the least restrictive environment possible.

Purchase your tickets online for Wine, Dine and Equine by going to thearccaddobossier.org/great-events.

For more information on The Arc Caddo-Bossier and its programs, visit thearccaddobossier.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @thearccb.