We were lucky to catch up with Allison Gross recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Allison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love heartwarming stories – do you have a heartwarming story from your career to share?

With every face and family that comes through our doors, there is a unique story which makes it hard to tell one favorite story. However, with every face is a smile that is earned and cultivated through the partnership of a horse. When I reflect on heartwarming memories it is first the faces and smiles that come in a flood. One particular story is that of a young man who is managing challenges associated with ADHD. Through the horse, this child is learning coping techniques to stay calm and to address frustration, learn tools to dismantle anger, and learn to take those emotions and turn them into avenues to provide progression and forward movement. When this client began services he had difficulty engaging in conversations or being present in situations with a lot of stimulation. After learning to better multi-task, task sequence, and find techniques to increase self-awareness conversations are more prevalent so much so this young man is now willingly choosing to engage in extracurricular activities that involve large crowds, being center stage, and being in the spotlight. It is amazing to see a once frustrated and anxious face turn into a confident smiling face all through the partnership of a horse and the discovery and growth that comes with that partnership.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been involved in the mission of Wings of Hope for 18 years. I chose to begin my time as a volunteer so that I could give back to my community in a meaningful way in addition to being around horses and learning more about them. I quickly fell in love with the mission and the values and impact that Wings of Hope not only had on the lives of those served but the community and sanctuary it provided for so many, myself included.

Wings of Hope was founded in 1996 to provide inclusion for those with disabilities, specifically for children and adults with physical, mental, or emotional challenges through the partnership of a horse. This partnership allows those with disabilities the opportunity to explore new ways to navigate independence, to gain tools and skills to sharpen and enhance abilities, to discover strengths and address challenges. The partnership breaks down barriers for someone who has experienced isolation and exclusion through their disability. We serve as an advocate for meeting individuals where they are in life with a focus on abilities rather than disabilities.

So often those impacted by our mission find that they do not have an outlet that allows them to be comfortable and confident with their disability. Frequently, individuals with disabilities state that life can revolve around a diagnosis, the label, and the stigma that comes with it.

We are most proud to be an industry leader and be recognized as a Premier Accredited Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International since 2002. This distinguished accreditation holds our facility to the highest industry standard above and beyond industry requirements to promote excellence and safety. PATH Intl was formed in 1969.

In addition, in 2017, Co-Founder Margaret Dickens was inducted into The National Cowgirl Hall of Fame for her work in utilizing horses to facilitate healing in a therapeutic setting at Wings of Hope.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Adaptability with grace is a must in the equine-assisted activities and services field. When working with horses and humans you always have to be flexible and willing to go with the flow. Success is dependent on the action or reaction to change and being able to be willing to be flexible with seen or unforeseen changes plays an integral role when working with horses and those managing life’s challenges and disabilities.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

When Wings of Hope was formed in 1996 programs were operated out of the homes of each Co-Founder, Margaret Dickens, and Patti Pace. In 1998 funds were secured through the Amon G. Carter Foundation to purchase land for a forever home. In 2000 funds were donated from the Knox Foundation to provide 100% of funding to construct our current facility. The investment of both of these community partners allowed Wings of Hope to begin with sustainability and to remain debt-free, no doubt making the longevity of that investment has a ripple effect further impacting our mission to provide continued sustainability throughout 9/11, covid, etc.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wingsofhopehorses.org
• Instagram: wingsofhopeequitherapy
• Facebook: wingsofhopehorses
• Linkedin: wingsofhopeequitherapy
• Twitter: wingsofhopeequi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV0L7BCf9tpgFo10p02ORUQ

Image Credits
Images provided are credited to Wings of Hope