Senator Volker Secures $50,000 For The Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center

(ALBANY, N.Y.) Senator Dale M. Volker (R-C-I, Depew) announced today that he has secured $50,000 for Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center. These state funds will be utilized for a new barn roof and electrical upgrades for their facility.

"Horses are natural therapeutic tools," said Senator Dale M. Volker. "Studies show that during a therapeutic riding session, the horse’s action relaxes and stimulates unused muscles, builds muscle tone, and improves balance, coordination and joint mobility. I firmly believe that we must do our best in providing those with physical, mental and emotional challenges the opportunity to explore and achieve basic life functions to the best of their abilities utilizing equine therapy. By complementing existing therapies, using equine strategies will create a sense of freedom, independence and accomplishment for the challenged individual. I am pleased to be of assistance in securing state funding to continue this successful therapeutic program."

Kathryn M. Tyrrell, Program Director for Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center said, "Our mission is one which we firmly believe can improve the quality of life for those individuals with mental, physical, emotional and learning disabilities. As you can imagine, it takes a great deal of time, money and dedicated individuals to maintain our facility. Senator Volker securing this $50,000 state grant will allow us to continue to our mission and significantly complement those financial resources that we currently receive from the corporate and individual donors."

The $50,000 state grant will be used for a new barn roof and electrical upgrades to the facility. The existing roof is approximately 8600 sq.ft. and covers the horse stall area, indoor riding ring, tack area, and classroom.

The Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center was established in 1983 in order to provide therapeutic riding opportunities for individuals of all ages with mental, physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Since 1986, Lothlorien has owned and operated our present facility which includes a 16 stall horse barn, outdoor sand ring, two hay sheds, classroom, office and stable manager’s residence.