Brave Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center in Gray, Georgia recently received a grant from the Morris Bank Community Foundation for $3,500. These funds were used to purchase horse feed and grain to ensure that their horses receive the necessary nutrients they need to continue providing therapeutic benefits to their riders. The center focuses on adapting to individuals with mild to profound disabilities to provide therapeutic riding for social, educational, and sport opportunities in recreational horseback riding. 

Brave Meadows is a non-profit equestrian center led by Shannon Patrick, a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horseman International (PATH). Shannon has such a passion for her 15-acre farm, the animals she houses, and the students she teaches every Saturday. The farm has 12 therapy horses, along with donkeys, chickens, and a host of other loving animals. “We offer summer camps for both able body and special needs kids who come to participate,” says Patrick. “It’s really something special to watch these kids work together and to see past their differences.” Whether the disabilities are physical or mental, the strokes of riding a horse mimic walking and help to strengthen the core of the rider along with building an emotional bond with the horse and the environment.

"We're truly thankful for the generous grant we've received from Morris Bank, especially given the timing. Dealing with inflation, affording feed and grain has been quite a hurdle lately. However, these funds will enable us to keep providing seamless therapeutic experiences to our riders over the next few months, ensuring their well-being remains a top priority, regardless of their ability to pay."

The facility relies on volunteers and donations from the local community of Jones and surrounding counties to serve their visitors. If you are interested in learning more about the organization or finding ways to donate or help, visit www.bravemeadows.net.

The Morris Bank Community Foundation was formed in 2017 and exists to help support and sustain local organizations within the communities they serve. Simply put, Morris Bank wanted to give back to the communities that have allowed them to grow. Through this program, financial grants are awarded to strengthen and support organizations such as local schools, community and faith-based institutions, government institutions providing public services, non-for-profits and other 501(c)(3) organizations. For more information, visit www.morris.bank/mbc-foundation.