Healing Strides of Virginia is a non-profit with the motto “horses inspiring hope.” And when it was forced to halt equine therapy sessions in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, CEO Carol Young had a new way of inspiring hope: horse safaris.
What exactly is that?
It’s a chance to see “wild” horses and ponies in their natural habitat, according to the Healing Strides Facebook page. And because the animals have been missing the humans too, there’s plenty of interaction.
Cars drive through the pasture at a speed of about 3-5 MPH for safety purposes and the safari route is about 15 minutes through the pasture and 20 horses are seen along the way, according to WSLS.
The first even drew 100 people and the second doubled that a week later.
Healing Strides suggests a $10 donation per car.