For his premiere on TalkRadio.nyc, Tommy D interviews Katie McGowan to learn about Horsability.
Horsability’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals with special needs through Equine Facilitated Therapy.
Through this interview, Tommy and his listeners will learn about the history of this organization, the programs they have to serve the community and stakeholders as well as who the collaborate with and others that they would like to work with.
Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nycor watch theFacebook Livestream by clicking here.
Tommy welcomes his audience to his premiere show. He refers to his show as the “nonprofit sector connector”. He talks about his passion for non-profit work and the goal for his new show. Tommy gives some background information about Horseability and his connection with his upcoming guest, Katie McGowan.Horseability is an organization that promotes therapeutic horse riding and accessibility for handicapped individuals. It was founded by Katie on1993. Tommy then welcomes Katie to the show. Katie expands on the history of her organization and her love for horses. Horseability was born when Katie lent a horse to her horse to a friend and physical therapist who used hippotherapy as a treatment modality for a child with cerebral palsy. Tommy asks Katie about the growth of Horseability over the years. Katie talks about an important lesson she teaches her students. She says, “If someone asks you to try nothing new, as long as it is legal and safe, try it.”
Katie tells a story about how the siblings program at Horseability came to be. She expands on the importance of communication between the families and community and staff at Horseability. Horasebilit has had to expand their programs to address the needs of the community. She says, “There’s something here for everyone”. Horseability works with 300+ clients a week! Tommy then asks Katie about the effect the animals have on the guests. She talks about non verbal communication and the emotional impact the animals have on patients who have a hard time verbally communicating with humans. Tommy asks Katie about the positive health effects of Horseability. Katie also teases a new program where they could bring the horses and animals to you. She gives an example about a patient who had alzimers. She also introduces her volunteer program.
Katie brings in a special guest, Aidden, a pony from the farm. Katie then talks about the reactions of clients when they meet the animals for the first time. Katie is appreciative that she can say she “loves what she does”. Tommy asks Katie to talk about the connection between volunteering and mentorship. She talks about her first volunteers, her dad, a gynecologist, and various teachers. She expands on the inclusivity of Horseability and variety of skills that can be used on the farm. Katie provides her perspective as a former mentee and current mentor. She talks about the importance of sharing what you know. She says, “If you’re asking for help, be humble”.
Tommy asks Katie who she wants to connect with. She says we would love to connect with other nonprofits. She talks about the benefits of working with nonprofits and the benefits from a donor’s perspective. She expands on the versatility of assistance Horseability can provide: autism, veterans, eating disorders, etc. Tommy and Katie talk about the experience of being on the farm and a possible trip the staff at TalkRadioNYC will take. Tommy then asks where she sees Horseability going in three years. She talks about the sudden change in strategy the pandemic caused in her plan. She says she is focusing on mental health within her programs. Katie then shares her website, www.horseability.org. Tommy thanks Katie, promotes his socials, and closes the show.
