PO Box 50219
Mesa, Arizona 85208-0219
Phone: 480-380-2810
Fax: 480-380-2861
Email: Thetherapyzone@aol.com
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T- Spoon Graduates!
Second Certified Miniature Horse in Arizona!

The Therapy Zone announced today that T- Spoon the miniature horse has past his “Delta Pet Partners” national certification.  You may have seen stories on wonderful dogs becoming Delta Pet Partners, but T-Spoon has joined the ranks of “Rebel” in becoming only the second Miniature Horse in the State of Arizona to accomplish this feat!  Therapy Zone trainers, Andrea Hutchins, Shelly Bodenmiller and Steve Dunmire have taken T-Spoon from a frightened rescue horse to a very accomplished equestrian friend of the community. 

The Delta Pet Partners is a wonderful organization which created national standards for trainers who wish to have their pets visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools or anywhere a well trained friendly animal can help create a special smile during a visit.  Their standard of certification gives merit to well trained animals.

Gregg Goodman, the executive director of Horses Help and The Therapy Zone explains, “T-spoon is really the ambassador of our center.  I cannot tell you how proud we are to have our horses reach their full potential.  T-spoon was actually rescued with four brothers who were being roped as cattle for rodeo practice.  He was extremely shy at first, but he has grown in personality and fame. Andrea taught him how to drive a cart.  When he is full gear, he thinks he is a Clydesdale.”  He is constantly strutt’en his stuff at school events or when special needs classes visit The Therapy Zone. “We thought he was ready for this certification and his trainers, Andrea, Shelly and Steve, did a wonderful job preparing him,” continues Goodman.   

Leslie Paradise who owns and trained “Rebel” was on hand during T-spoon’s testing.  “Rebel” makes his home at Horses Help, the sister center to The Therapy Zone in North Phoenix.  Leslie was an integral part in answering questions regarding certification questions for T-Spoon’s handlers. 

The Therapy Zone and Horses Help are North American Riding for the Handicapped Centers (NARHA).  They are volunteer based organizations that promote safe, quality recreational and therapeutic riding programs for the disabled.  Their riding season runs from October thru June and both centers can always use volunteers for multiple committees and help in the riding programs.  Andrea, Shelly, Steve, and Leslie all started out as volunteers and are showing what a wonderful inpact you can have in our community.  Steve gets choked up when he says, “for me, the reward is in the smiles and laughter you get when someone gives a loving touch to T-spoon.”  “Those moments are priceless”.

What’s next for the new graduate?  “Well, we thought we would make a trip to Pet Smart and see if we can find a reward to fit his diploma,” states Goodman.  So if you see a furry little fellow on for legs clippity clopping past the fish food and the doggy treats, just say Hi to the newest member of the graduating class of ’05. 








 

From: The Therapy Zone
Gregg Goodman
Executive Director
The Therapy Zone
Tax ID 86-1033777