8 InsideOutHawaii.com JULY/AUGUST 2015

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CLOAKED BEHIND a half-mile stretch of tall ironwood trees along Waimanalo’s busy Kalanianaole Highway, a proud program called the � erapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii (THH) lays below the grand folds of the Ko‘olau Mountains. Despite the constant humid weather and long working days ahead, executive director Dana Vennen can’t get enough of the view.

“It never really gets old,” says Vennen, as she looks out to the mountains while hoisting up a saddle on to a metal bar. “I have about 200 photos of the sun, rain, rainbows, the moon, horses up the hills and mists up the hills. It’s such a beautiful place.”

Home to 13 horses and eight instructors, THH has helped thousands of peoples’ lives by simply allowing individuals to be around, care for or ride a horse. A volunteer since the late ’90s, Vennen has transformed the 32-year-old program from two horses and a few riders to 100 eager participants a week.

“We’ve had some great strokes of luck,” she says. “And some really great people show up to help … overall I’ve been really lucky.”

Although luck may be one of the factors in the success of THH, kids and parents can’t help but notice the hard work and determination from Vennen and the rest of the THH staff members. A reason why Rose Selvaggio – mother of two THH riders – keeps coming back for her son’s lessons.

“Dana is so good,” beams Selvaggio, whose sons Tristen and Brenden grew interest in the sport after they took a horseback-riding trip in Kauai with the entire family.

“I love how patient (Dana) is with them,” Selvaggio continues. “It looks really easy but there’s so much skill that goes into riding a horse. Dana knows that it’s not easy for many people so she’s always there to help.”

Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii helps island residents of all agesget up on a horse for

the fi rst time.By Kristen Nemoto

and the rest of the THH staff members. A reason why Rose Selvaggio – mother of two THH riders – keeps coming back for her son’s lessons.Therapeutic Horsemanship

Giddy Up!

A young rider shows off her skills at the Waimanalo Therapeu-tic Horsemanship of Hawaii fi eld.

| THERAPY THROUGH THE ART OF HORSEBACK RIDINGisland life

JULY/AUGUST 2015 InsideOutHawaii.com 9

Certified as a Premier Accredited Center by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), THH is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that promotes equine-assisted activities and therapies to individuals with special needs. Vennen, however, is adamant to point out that their services are available to everyone willing to learn how to ride a horse and be a part of their equine ohana.

“I think of it as more of a holistic approach to healing,” Vennen says. “It gives that sense of accomplishment and confidence to kids. For people who have gait issues, the symmetry and the motion of the horse can help with flexibility, strength and posture.

I’ve worked with the Wounded Warriors program and the soldiers who don’t know how to connect back with society, THH gives them a topic to talk about other than their time as soldiers, and also gives them an outlet to get away.”

The philosophy of THH radiates through the program’s hard work and dedication to its horses and riders. It’s also home to many who aspire to be better in horseback riding, as well as learn life lessons and overcome obstacles that may come their way.

“I think it’s a fun, safe place for anybody who wants to learn how to ride,” Vennen says. “Maybe even leave a little happier too.”

For more information about THH go to www.thhwaimanalo.org

“I think it’s a fun, safe place for any-body who wants to learn how to ride.

Maybe even leave a little happier too.”

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