Horses for Heroes Program New to Herndon

Frying Pan Farm Park is very excited to offer a new program for returning military veterans called Horses for Heroes.

For several years the park has hosted the Spirit Open Equestrian program that provides therapeutic, equestrian-related activities to children and adults of all abilities. 

The Horses for Heroes program will provide horseback riding sessions for veterans ranging from therapeutic to para-equestrian levels.

Each lesson is tailored to the skill level and needs of the rider.  No experience is required and horse and safety equipment are conveniently provided on site.

The Horses for Heroes program was created as a collaborative effort between Frying Pan Farm Park and Spirit Open Equestrian Program as part of the equestrian offerings with the Fairfax County Park Authority. 

The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association initiated the program in 2007 and the association has been working since with existing therapeutic centers to extend services to wounded service members and veterans. 

Frying Pan Farm Park was recently approved to offer the program. According to Davorka Suvak, founder and director of Spirit Open Equestrian in the Northern Virginia area, Frying Pan Farm Park was able to offer the program because it already offered the Spirit program. 

Under the direction of Suvak, both programs will share the same horses, facilities and some of the same equipment and volunteers. 

Horseback riding helps build confidence and provides goals and challenges on which to focus. Riding horses helps participants strengthen their bodies, memory, and problem-solving skills while emotionally recovering from their combat experiences by building trust and relationships with the animals and each other. 

Therapy includes grooming and warming up with the horses, learning how to put on the saddle, and developing basic riding skills using an obstacle course in an arena and short trail rides.

Suvak is an accomplished educator, trainer, therapeutic riding instructor and professional manager in the equestrian industry. She has more than 30 years experience working as a coach and educator in equine assisted activities and 15 years as a therapeutic riding instructor.

Before immigrating to the United States in 2005 Suvak was the coach for the Croatian National team at various international championships including dressage for disabled riders. 

She has acted as the head of the Croatian equestrian team at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sidney, Australia and the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Suvak depends on many volunteers to assist in the care of the horses and upkeep of the facilities. She diligently trains volunteers to work with both the horses and program participants. 

The program also thrives on private contributions to help cover boarding cost, feed and veterinarian care for the special horses required for therapeutic programs.

The Horses for Heroes sessions begin April 1 and registration is available online or by calling 703-222-4664. Scholarships may be available. Participants may need physician’s approval to participate in classes. To register online, visit Frying Pan Farm Park's site and click on Equestrian Classes.

Any organizations interested in sponsoring a veteran in the Horses for Heroes program may do so by making a donation to the Friend's of Frying Pan Farm Park. Please call 703 437-9101 to speak with Teri Tucker.

Those interested in volunteering on-site with Horses for Heroes or Spirit Open Equestrian may contact Suvak at spiritoep@gmail.com.

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