Equine Communication Helping Others
Equine Communication Helping Others (ECHO) Foundation is a registered and recognized 501(c)3 that seeks to help people experience the full breadth of horsemanship–education, training, careers and skills building–who could not otherwise do so. ECHO is built on the philosophy that people with different abilities and challenges should be integrated into lesson programs, shows, camps, and other equine facilitated activities. Our goal is to promote inclusivity in the equine community.
Our Mission
ECHO Foundation provides opportunities for people to connect with horses in positive ways.
- Provide financial support to individuals of any age, physical ability, or skill level for the purpose of participating in equine activities including, but not limited to, experiential equine-assisted therapy sessions, therapeutic riding lessons, typical riding lessons, and horse camps.
- Provide financial support for facility improvements/modifications as well as equipment to benefit children and adults with special needs, including, but not limited to, safety equipment, therapy-specific tack, or facility improvements necessary for accessibility of wheelchairs and/or other tools necessary for inclusivity in horseback riding activities.
- Provide financial support for education, certification, and licensure in order that riding instructors may offer equine-assisted therapies to people with special needs; as well as provide training for volunteers such as side walkers for inclusive riding programs.
- Provide financial support for training and/or reeducation of horses to be used for the purpose of integrated programming including, but not limited to, therapeutic riding, mental health and chemical dependency therapy, and PTSD therapy.
How to Help
ECHO assists individuals and programs in obtaining safety equipment such as:
- helmets
- boots
- half chaps
- peacock safety stirrups
- rainbow reins
- therapy saddles
- safety halters
- mounting blocks
- lifts
- ramps
- lighting
ECHO also seeks to assist riding programs make their facilities special needs accessible.
These efforts are only possible through the generous support of donors. You may donate items or financial support.