Synergy Stables... cultivating connections.

Synergy Stables' mission is to cultivate connections through inclusion adaptive horsemanship and experiential learning to improve the minds, bodies and spirits of people living with and without disabilities alike, and to be an inspiration and education resource for the experiential learning profession regionally, nationally and internationally.

We believe bringing individuals closer to each other in nature, brings them closer to themselves.  Actually, we've experienced it firsthand, and are building Synergy Stables to cultivate these connections.  In Central NY there is limited access to adaptive riding services with certified instructors.  With your generosity we will not only bring horses and riders together, but the community at large.  Meeting and exceeding our goal will provide Synergy Stables with the start up funds needed to operate for 6 months.

What is Adaptive Horseback Riding?

Adaptive riding is the development of horseback riding skills through a highly individualized plan that adapts to the rider's physical, cognative and emotional needs.

Who participates?

Synergy Stables will provide services to riders living with and without disabilities. We are an inclusion program designed to bring people living with and without disabilities together in partnership with horses and nature.

Common disabilities that benefit from adaptive riding are...

• Autism
• Down Syndrome
• Eating Disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Brain Injury
• Cerebral Palsy
• Visual and Hearing Impairment
• Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity Disorder
• Learning Disabilities

Benefits of Adaptive Horsemanship:

• Improved Muscle Strength
• Increased Flexibility
• Develop fine and gross motor skills
• Build Confidence
• Cultivate Self-Awareness
• Provide riders the opportunity to reach therapy goals outside of the confines of drab hospitals and treatment facilities.

How Your Contribution Helps

Your donation will help us get started and provide us financial stability for the 1st 4 to 6 months of our Big Ideas Service Plan, or the 1st year of our Progression Service Plan as the program trains staff (both 2 and 4 legged ), plans additional fundraisers and acquires equipment.

Big Ideas Service Plan (4-6 months of services):

• Acquire 3-4 therapy horses
• Lease to purchase a facility with indoor arena
• Build a mounting ramp to accommodate riders with mobility challenges
• Furnish office
• Obtain necessary tack and equipment
• Purchase pickup truck
• Cover expenses from horse care & class sponsorships to insurance and lease fees & facility maintenance.

Progression Service Plan (1- 1.5 years of services):

• Train 1-3 donated horses (Thank you Julie for our 1st equine donation, Timmie!)
• Host lessons at a family member's private barn with outdoor arena.
• Build a modified mounting block for instructors to assist riders onto horses.
• Cover Horse Care including feed, bedding, vaccines, farrier, and vet care.
• Secure Insurance coverage
• Acquire 3 safety helmets (ATSM/SEI)

Your support gets Synergy Stables started.  Please see our updates for itemized costs, recurring and nonrecurring costs.

In thanks to your generosity check out our perks!

Who we are.

We believe in this cause because we've lived the impact.  With your support, we will change lives one stride at a time.  Our history in adaptive horsemanship and experientail learning is proof of the profound effects of connecting people with horses and each other.  Here's a little more about us...

Trisha Williams, PATH Int Instructor.  Trisha has taught adaptive horseback riding since 2003, and has ridden and trained horses for over 25 years.  As she pursued her AAS in Chemical Dependency Counseling and BA in Social Welfare, she knew that her commitment to improving lives would partner with the compassion of horses.  Over the last 9 years, Trisha has taught numerous riders living with a variety of disabilities, trained countless volunteers, recruited and trained dozens of horses, mentored a handful of certified instructors, trained over 50 international instructors in training from Turkey, presented at Regional Conferences, and chaired and co-chaired a variety of events such as adaptive riding horse shows, and benefit auctions.  Outside of the ring, she has worked in retail management, bringing positive sales growth and improved training strategies to each team.  You can also find Trisha reading a novel, playing with her rescue pup, Seker, or kicking a soccer ball around. Trisha's inspiration is fueled by the commitment of the adaptive riding community and the honesty of horses.

Robert Kenific adds a versatile element to Synergy Stables.  He has management experience in marketing and sales, and has been a self employed carpenter for over 12 years.  Robb realized at an early age that mountaineering, rock and ice climbing offered him a sense of peace and self introspection as well as provided huge challenges offering the exploration and enhancement of life skills.  In an effort to help foster this awareness and potential for others, he spent a year as a wilderness guide in Utah.  He has also built, inspected, trained and facilitated in the challenge course industry for over 4 years with Visionary Adventure Inc.  Countless people have joined Robb on their first ascents and discovered the humbling and empowering influence of nature. To that end Robb's goal is to help foster and facilitate attention to energy, self introspection and growth through experiential learning.

Other Ways You Can Help

Financial support isn't the only way to help.  Our success depends on your support.  Here are a few other ways you can help:

1. Spread the Word.  Share our indiegogo story with friends, family and colleagues.
2. Check out our Wish List at www.facebook.com/synergystables for in-kind donation ideas.
3. Volunteer your time!  Volunteers are the backbone of our program.  We can't wait to see your smile :o)

Thank you for your support.