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Above - Liz and Billy Santilli with President Kathryn. Liz founded Gaits of Harmony in 2014 to provide equine assisted activities and therapies under the standards and guidelines of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. The organization's mission is to provide "all people with opportunities to educate, enrich and empower themselves in order to cope with the challenges of their daily lives through interaction with horses. Liz began with three horses and now has twelve - six for riding and six for training. Gaits of Harmony is located at the former Ram Rod Farm in Ashaway. Also living at the farm are goats, pigs, turkeys. With the assistance of Billy and four certified instructors and several volunteers, Gaits of Harmony is currently serving about 45 clients from mostly the Chariho and Westerly area and Warwick. In her video presentation, Liz pointed out that the fees are based on a reasonable, affordable rate for the clients but doesn't cover the actual cost. The organization's budget includes fundraisers, grants and donations. For more information go to gaitsofharmony.web.com or www.facebook.com/gaitsofharmony.
The organization was brought to our attention by Frank Hopkins from the Rotary Club of Chariho. He is seeking support from the local Clubs for a fundraiser planned in February at the Boneyard BBQ in Ashaway. The purpose of this fundraiser is to help Gaits purchase a lift, which will assist the staff to get clients onto horses in a safe manner. More to come on this.
