RaptorDad2013

On Wednesday, June 24, Carroll College’s Human-Animal Bond Program, the first of its kind in the U.S., held the opening ceremony for its new Equine Center, located just a few miles north of campus. Students taking the equine track in the HAB Program will study at the facility, learning the basics — caring for horses, taking field lessons on human-horse connections and, most importantly, learning how to keep physically disabled riders and those with mental illness safe around the large animals during therapy sessions. The HAB equine component has been in place for a year, but now, with the new center, has at its disposal a 4,000-square-foot indoor arena and a larger outdoor arena, plus two Icelandic horses and plans for adding three other animals.

Launched in 2007, the Carroll Human-Animal Bond Program has graduated three students with a formal minor, with 24 students currently enrolled and 56 having taken classes in the program’s offerings. Integral to its success has been support from its advisory board, which raises operating funds for the program, student scholarships and an endowed professorship. The advisory board hosted the June 24 event. For full coverage, see: helenair.com