Horse therapy nonprofit ‘back in the saddle’ after Tri-Cities community rallies to help
Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities received an overwhelming response from individuals, businesses and organizations after publicly sharing its financial struggles this fall, and is now expected to continue offering beloved programs that were in jeopardy.
TROT offers a range of therapeutic riding and other equine-assisted programs each spring and fall.
The Kennewick nonprofit serves hundreds of children and adults in the Tri-Cities area who have physical, psychological and social challenges.
In September, for the first time in its 10-year history, TROT made an appeal for donations from the community to help it through the winter.
“One of the ways to decide if TROT is of value is if the community supports it,” said donor Arthur Broady in a video made by TROT.
The organization needed at least $18,000 at the time, said Cynthia MacFarlan, the group’s founder and executive director.
MacFarlan sent the Tri-City Herald a statement in November and said that after the appeal, they received donations from about 60 one-time or monthly donors and an in-kind hay donation for the center. TROT leaders did not release the total amount that they’ve raised so far.
The organization also has received $37,000 in grant money with other grant applications still pending.
“It’s a local program so the money that I contribute stays in the local community and it benefits the people in the Tri-Cities,” said Paul Seeley, a donor and parent of a rider, in the TROT video.
TROT history
TROT started in 2014 as a pilot program with four riders and two horses working in an arena on MacFarlan’s property in Pasco.
This year, there have been more than 300 participants, working with nine horses housed at the center.
TROT’s programs provide physical, emotional and social benefits to participants of all ages.
“Every family here, you can see the light that they have when they’re done with TROT every day,” Mike Boise, president of the group, said on the TROT video.
After being an all-volunteer organization for more than six years, TROT expanded to Kennewick in Fall 2020 and over time hired the equivalent of five employees — some part-timers and some full-time — plus volunteers to keep up with the demand.
The organization was operating on a budget of about $200,000 a year, with revenue coming from fees for programs, tuition, grants, event sponsorships and public donations.
Getting back on track
MacFarlan told the Herald that the organization’s financial situation has recently improved because of the new funding, organizational restructuring and additional revenue-generating avenues like horse boarding.
To cut costs this year, TROT laid off staff and reduced their hours and paused the center’s portable toilet service among other changes.
MacFarlan also gave up her salary starting in September.
By early January, she expects to be fully staffed and will be paid a salary again to be able to serve the needs of future programs.
“We are so grateful that people recognize the impact equine-assisted activities and therapies have on our families and the expensive upkeep of our herd,” MacFarland told the Herald.
“The horses have an important job and keeping them healthy, housed and happy is key.”
TROT created a new monthly donor program this fall. There also is a Sponsor a Horse program, plus options for one-time donations and planned giving.
Community members are invited to TROT’s Cowboy Christmas event on Dec. 14 from 1-3 p.m. It will include holiday photos, games, hot drinks and drawings. The entry fee is a $20 per family.
For those interested in supporting TROT, visit the organization’s website.
