Looking for forms, we have made it even easier to find. Click on the type of form you are looking for ie Summer Camp. A new tab will open for you to read the instructions and requirements for the forms in that area along with all the forms that can be downloaded and filled out. As well as who to contact with questions or follow up information. Some forms can be found in multiple tabs for convience but only need to be filled out once. any questions can be sent to [email protected]. or you can fill out our contact form and someone from the office will reach out as soon as possible. not sure where to look here is a list of all of our forms
Dear Prospective Rider,
We welcome your interest in the Whispers of Hope Horse Farm therapeutic horseback riding program. Whispers of Hope is one of approximately 550 therapeutic riding centers across North America. Whispers of Hope, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization staffed by all volunteers with no cost to the challenged riders. Whispers of Hope Horse Farm is located at 3545 Parkhill Road, Wichita Falls, TX.
In order to provide the best therapeutic benefit and the safest environment to our clients, Whispers of Hope has established minimal guidelines for acceptance into the program. Clients need to be at least three years of age. Child must not have had an active seizure within 6 months. Doctors RX is NOT required but acknowledgement of child’s diagnosis and/or physical or mental condition is of value to providing the best therapy for your child. The weight of the client is taken into consideration with the size and temperament of the program horse for determining suitability. If the child has one or more contraindications, therapeutic riding may not be recommended. If the client meets our initial criteria, complete the enclosed forms. All forms must be completed and returned before you or your child can be enrolled.
Once the completed forms are received, evaluation of rider needs and physical and mental condition are taken into account to schedule a riding session. A physical therapy screening assessment may be scheduled. This assessment is done through Whispers of Hope, utilizing a physical therapist familiar with a therapeutic horseback riding program. Upon completion of the assessment, every effort is made to assign a riding time that is good for both rider and Whispers of Hope based on need of child. To increase your chances of securing a place in the riding schedule, be sure to note all times that you are available to ride. If it becomes necessary to place a client on the waiting list, you will be contacted when a riding time becomes available.
Please call Jan Clapp, Rider Coordinator, 940-696-8044, at the Whispers of Hope office if you have any questions concerning this process. We look forward to working with you or your rider.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT ALL FORMS ARE COMPLETED AND SIGNED PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 16, 2021 FOR YOUR CHILD’S PARTICIPATION IN THE UPCOMING SESSION.
This letter and the guidelines form are for your information
The Following forms are required to be returned to WOHHF:
Challenged Rider Registration and Release Form (yearly form) (usually pink form if mailed)
Rider Emergency Medical Form (minimum of once a year form)
Rider Schedule Application (must be filled out and returned prior to each Session)
Please email forms to [email protected] or mail the completed forms to the office.
Whispers of Hope Horse Farm
RIDER COORIDINATOR
3545 Parkhill Road Wichita Falls, TX 76310
Regular Sessions: Whispers of Hope offers two 12 week sessions. A calendar of events and riding days for all sessions is available on line at www.whispersofhopehf.org. Summer Camp is also available for the challenged children at minimal cost. Due to weather issues at different times of the year, we will post on our Facebook page whispersofhopehf as soon as we can about cancellations or changes. Rule of thumb… if not 50 degrees, no session as it is 20 degrees less under the covered arena. Also, Lightening and heavy rain, snow or high winds are not suitable times for riding. Feel free to text 940-631-4264 Mary Elizabeth if in question that day, but most times not always know until an hour or so prior to class. There are NO classes of any type held in the month of August and No classes from Dec.19th/20th until Middle of February due to severe weather… whether heat or cold. SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY!!
Lessons: Based on the needs and abilities of a child, an individualized program will consist of therapeutic riding and/or horsemanship skills. Most lessons are approximately 30 minutes in length. In some cases, lesson times may be shortened to accommodate a child’s special needs. Class size is limited to six per class. A variety of morning, afternoon, and evening classes are available. Classes are primarily scheduled on Tuesday am 10-12 pm and 3 to 6pm and Thursday 3 to 6 pm, Saturday 10 -12 pm. There are several times for Show Team practices and Special Olympics practices as well.
Tuition: Services are provided free of charge to all challenged children ages 3-17. However, we ask for assistance to help find sponsorships or donations of $125 for a six-week session. This covers approximately twenty-five percent of the overall cost of the session. Tuition is payable to Whispers of Hope by cash, check, PayPal or charge. Make-up classes are held on case-by-case basis. Riders that cancel forfeit the class. If you have any questions, please contact the office at 696-8044 Donations/Horse or Child Sponsorships should be mailed to:
Whispers of Hope Horse Farm
3545 Parkhill Rd.
Wichita Falls, TX 76310
Clothing for Riders: Long pants, capris, tights, sweats are ok — jeans preferred (shorts cause chapping to legs) totally enclosed shoes or boots (with heels, inexpensive hiking boots are ideal) ASTM/SEI approved helmet may purchase locally at TSC/Attwood or go online to purchase individually. Whispers of Hope also has helmets available as these are used by all. Sunscreen, gloves, and jacket, as needed.
ARRIVAL/Sign In/Attendance: Upon arrival, please travel on entrance gravel road on right straight to the covered arena. Parking is along fence line opposite covered arena or along covered arena wall. Please enter Covered arena at sliding doors on North East end of building. You will be greeted by volunteer to help you sign rider in the book on dresser. When the rider will be absent, notify the center as soon as possible. If a rider knows of an absence ahead of time, please advise the office. When a rider who is scheduled to ride doesn’t show up for his lesson, volunteers who were assigned to work with that rider become discouraged and drop out. This jeopardizes the entire program. Please bring your child’s own helmet, or proceed to the helmet table at opposite end of waiting area to be fitted for helmets. All children must wear helmet prior to mounting horse. A helmet waiver form is available if there is a medical, physical or emotional reason for not wearing the helmet, but will be reviewed by Director.
Punctuality: It is extremely important for a child to arrive approximately no more than 5 minutes prior to or after his or her scheduled riding time as we have 5-7 children riding at all times, but scheduled volunteers are essential. .Siblings: If siblings are in attendance with parents of child participating in class, parents are responsible for supervision of these children at all times. Noise and lots of activity can distract rider from the lesson.
Siblings must remain in the watch area or on playground but with supervision. SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY!!
Conduct at the Center: It is mandatory that everyone complies with all safety rules. Abide by all posted off limit areas. Whispers of Hope Horse Farm is a no smoking facility and the use of drugs or alcohol on the property is strictly forbidden. No mistreatment or abuse of any animal will be tolerated. You are welcome to visit anytime for a tour of the facility, but if not scheduled please be patient for volunteers’ time as they have schedule activities going on all the time. Please make sure that all that are entering our area with horses must have totally enclosed shoes for protection at all times. SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY!!
Whispers of Hope Horse Farm is run by a completely volunteer staff. We are looking for ADULT and YOUTH AGES 10 AND UP who are interesting in assisting youth and adults with challenges as they participate in therapeutic horseback riding as well as other volunteer opportunities. Volunteers are a very important part of making this program successful. There are various ways you can use your talents. If you are interested in volunteering please fill out the packet below or fill out the contact form.
2024 Challenged Summer Camp
June 20 – June 22
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Please fill out and return this form Printable Release
Click on PDF logo for downloadable form –will be visible when downloaded
2024 Summer Camp for ALL
This is our main source of revenue other than donations and riding lessons for able-body youth and adults. Each year we strive to provide the campers with new challenges and knowledge that will enhance their learning & enjoyment. As they share their excitement with others we hope to bring new horse lovers into the program.
Day Campers are a very important part of our program. There are various ways young people can express their talents: as horse handlers, spotters, barn keepers, maintenance workers, organizers, and team leaders.
Printable Release
Click on PDF logo for downloadable form –will be visible when downloaded
HORSE SPONSORSHIP
What a joy to be a sponsor of one of the many horses at Whispers of Hope Horse Farm which assists mentally and physically challenged youth of the Wichita Falls District area. In return for your investment/contribution you will receive
- A picture of the horse you are sponsoring
- Your name will go on their stall door as their sponsors
- You will be invited to participate in all our special events
- You will receive a copy of our Newsletter with contributors listed
- Tax deductible receipt
We appreciate your support of Whispers of Hope Horse Farm and look forward to seeing you soon.
Please fill out and return this form
We are currently updating these forms please contact the office 940-696-8044 for information
