When I started Animals For Autism in 2007 it was with the goal to provide funding, marketing. and assistance to groups working with animals in therapeutic settings. The more I became involved with the animals and the service providers, I began to find my niche in therapeutic riding and hippotherapy. Through volunteer work and research I found many, many programs with “second career” horses in their programs. This led me to become more involved with organizations that provide rescue, rehabilitation and retirement for the noble horse. We adopted an aged miniature ourselves in fact that is being trained here at our farm. After participating in several fundraisers for equine organizations, I joined forces with Wendi Neckameyer PhD in MO and Carole Wall in GA and together we have brought to life a new program: Special Horses works with established, registered non-profits to provide fundraising, marketing, promotion and support. The groups we help are involved in equine rescue, rehabilitation, retirement, therapeutic riding or hippotherapy. My efforts with Animals For Autism have rewarded me in ways I cannot begin to put to words. It is my hope that the work of Special Horses will compliment and expand upon what I started two years ago...to help make animal assisted therapy programs the best that they can be. This is a goal we hope to reach with the continued generous support of the community. Please take a moment to visit www.specialhorses.org and join our mailing list to be kept up to date on our future events and opportunities. Many thanks, Colleen Cheechalk Founder - Animals For Autism