SENSORY BRIDGE RESTORATION

Dates: October 2017 – March 2017

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Groups involved: Project as a partnership between Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center, Engineering Community Development (ECD) – a Washington and Lee Student led club, and Community-Academic Research Alliance (CARA) at Washington and Lee University

Hoofbeats - http://hoof-beats.com/           ECD - https://www.facebook.com/wluECD/

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Background:

Therapeutic Riding can offer occupational therapy to riders of all ages with special medical conditions and/or disabilities. Riding offers an community interaction with other riders, animals, and nature. The sensory trail allows for increased sensory stimulation and nature connection for the riders.

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Project Details:

I am leading a team of students (engineering, STEM, psychology) on removal and restoration of a Sensory Bridge to support riders with special medical needs in accessing a sensory trail.

The current bridge has suffered excessive termite damage, and can no longer safely support the weight of horse and rider. Without this bridge, a majority of the sensorial trail cannot be accessed by Hoofbeats’ riders.

The team has worked together to create a proposal, timeline, bill of materials, and a description of need to ask for resources and materials for repair from local donors.