CCHI has begun conducting driver certification training!!

    Kathy and Terry Ross of Kilgore, OH are both accomplished drivers and trainers.  Through CCHI, they have been conducting driver training classes at Faith Ranch.  These clinics are not to certify instructors but to certify drivers.  12 drivers have been certified through these clinics.  In order to complete the first level, an attendee must successfully participate in 20 hours of training.  These classes can be attended by anyone age 10 and older.  This has proven to be a very therapeutic activity.  One of the attendees has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and is in a wheelchair.  Through driving, she is able to spend time around the horses she loves and work with them by training and driving. 

    Handicap Driving: Val Naliborski caught the vision for a handicap driving program with a burden to give handicapped children a second chance to enjoy life and horses.  The driving staff agreed to help her in this endeavor. Two carts and harnesses were purchased and two ponies were trained for this program.  Val sold many of her own items to purchase this equipment and others donated items as well. 

    Tentative Future Plans:  We are working on planning a fall and spring weekend driving clinic including sessions on how to train a horse to drive.  We have talked about offering a 1 week driving camp to campers, complete with barn, ring and trail classes.  This fall, winter and spring, we plan to offer buggy rides.

    Needs:  CCHI has needs that must be met before the driving clinic program can continue to grow.  If you or your camp are able to donate or sell at a reasonable price any of the following, please contact the office.  

    A double hitch wagon and two horse size carts are needed for the program as well as two buggy harnesses.  A hitching rail is greatly needed for the driving horses while they are resting and hitched near our arena.

    We are in great need of several more people who are willing and have a desire to learn the ropes of driving to be trained to assist with the driving program.  These people also need to be committed to the program.  It takes one good driver in each cart or wagon.  Please pray for these needs.