Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center (GMTRC) hosted an open house on May 6 from noon to 3:30 p.m. at its facility at 1063 Hartman Station Road, Lancaster, near Leola. This event, sponsored by Scenic View Roofing and Primitives by Kathy, welcomed over 250 community members for tours, family games with prizes, and meet-and-greets with four horses that are involved with the therapeutic programs of GMTRC. Attendees were also able to speak with representatives from four partner organizations - Fitness 4 Focus, Aaron's Acres, Kathy's Circle of Friends, and United Disability Services (UDS). GMTRC executive director Jennifer Rummel noted that these organizations serve family members and caregivers of those with special needs.

For over 40 years, GMTRC has offered therapeutic riding lessons and equine-assisted therapeutic activities to children and adults with special needs with the help of 11 specially trained horses and ponies. GMTRC also provides specialized group programming, including Silver Saddles and Heroes and Horses. Silver Saddles is a four-week program designed for individuals age 55 and up looking to enhance physical, intellectual, and personal growth, as well as facilitate positive community connections. Heroes and Horses, a new program funded by a grant and a partnership with Millersville University, will provide no-cost intervention to 40 medical professionals and first responders who experience ongoing mental health issues as a result of their COVID-19 experiences.

GMTRC also partners with Aaron's Acres every summer to offer campers a unique hands-on learning experience. Through this partnership, Aaron's Acres campers will visit GMTRC six times this summer to ride the therapeutic horses, engage in sensory processing activities, learn about barn work and equine care, and lead a horse through an obstacle course.

To learn more about GMTRC, visit http://www.greystonemanortrc.org. Details about Aaron's Acres are available at http://www.aaronsacres.org.