FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: MJ Marcucci

November 9, 2004 978-658-5431

Tewksbury Hospital Equestrian FARM Becomes A Premier Accredited NARHA Center

T.H.E. FARM Earns Membership to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association After Four Years in Operation

Tewksbury, MA. The Tewksbury Hospital Equestrian FARM (T.H.E. FARM) has announced their achievement in becoming “A Premier NARHA Accredited Riding Center”.

After opening four years ago, T.H.E. FARM has been focused on their mission of improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding while trying to develop into a NARHA accredited facility. T.H.E. FARM was notified of their acceptance into this prestigious and renowned organization after successfully producing and meeting all the requirements of NARHA. These high standards include safety requirements, NARHA certified riding instructors, accepted insurance coverage, and stringent policies and procedures that protect all those involved with the organization.

This accreditation means T.H.E. FARM with it’s many volunteers and supporters, has created and maintained a standard of excellence in providing much needed equestrian therapeutic services to individuals with disabilities.

About T.H.E. FARM

T.H.E. FARM at Strongwater is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic equestrian programs for the clients of the Tewksbury Hospital, as well as public riding programs and special events to individuals of all abilities. T.H.E. FARM is dedicated to providing a safe environment where therapeutic and equine education comes first. As an additional and unique facet to T.H.E. FARM’s programs, the Strongwater site provides a public venue for fine equestrian events

About NARHA

NARHA was formed in 1969 to promote equine assisted activities for individuals with disabilities. At more than 700 member centers, a total of 36,000 people find a sense of independence through involvement with horses. These member centers range from small, one-person programs to large operations with several instructors and therapists. In addition to horseback riding, a center may offer any number of equine activities such as driving, vaulting, trail riding, competition, ground work, or stable management. Through a wide variety of educational resources, the Association helps individuals start and maintain successful riding programs. There are more than 30,000 volunteers, 2000 instructors, 5,700 therapy horses, and thousands of contributors from all over the world helping people at NARHA centers.