Inspiring Conversations with Lauren Dilts of High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Dilts.

Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Pennsylvania, I began riding at 8 years old. I competed at local Hunter/Jumper and Dressage shows. I always dreamt of owning my horse barn. In 2017, while living in Colorado and working as a Registered Nurse, I discovered Therapeutic Riding and realized I had found my true vocation. Therapeutic Riding adapts horseback riding to the needs of individuals with disabilities so they can experience the physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits of horseback riding. The synchronized movement of the horse and rider is a therapeutic tool to improve strength, balance, coordination, and self-confidence. Instructors, volunteers, and specifically trained horses and ponies work as a team to assist the riders in gaining these horseback riding benefits. In 2019 my fiancee and I bought our property in Murphy, NC, to build a therapeutic riding program. While still working nights at the local hospital (and during the covid pandemic), I drove two hours to the nearest therapeutic riding facility to gain my skills, knowledge, and certification as a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. While also creating the 501(c)3 nonprofit business. High Lonesome Therapeutic Equestrian Center opened its barn doors in January 2022. We started with 6 riders and 3 horses. We have grown to 20 riders a week and 5 horses. We have about 25 amazing and dedicated volunteers that help support our mission. Our mission is to support the growth and healing of the mind, body, and spirit of individuals with varying abilities in a therapeutic environment through a partnership with equines. In August 2022, we received the Organization of the Year from the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. In the spring of 2023, we will begin our veteran’s program. This 10-week course will be completely free to veterans, cover basic horsemanship skills, and end with mounted activities.

Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some struggles have included our Riding arena, a small fenced-in area in the pasture. The terrain and weather challenge the riders, volunteers, and horses. Being a 501(c)3 and a start-up business, we need help finding funding and grants for salaries and repairs to our facilities. This past year we have struggled to find decent hay to feed our horses.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
501(c)3 nonprofit We provide therapeutic riding lessons to children and adults with varying abilities. We are a PATH International member center. We are the only therapeutic riding program in the far west corner of North Carolina. All other facilities were providing this service our two hours away. Our youngest rider is 4, and our oldest rider is 65. In the one year we have been open, we have witnessed one rider with a very unsteady gait that required an ambulating assistive device to walk independently. Another rider shook uncontrollably as she mounted for the first time and now rides at the trot independently. The feedback from our volunteers working with the horses and riders is consistently positive. We had our first fundraiser in November of 2022. The High Lonesome Hoedown fundraising event was a great time and very successful.

What’s next?
The program’s continued growth creates new programs, such as taking our two mini horses to nursing homes or schools. Continued fundraising to build a proper riding arena that is more accessible, allowing us to provide services to all those interested. Collaboration with other local organizations to provide services to as many community members as possible. We are working on re-establishing the Cherokee and Clay county Special Olympics Equestrian teams. We aim to take four athletes in the fall of 2023 to compete at the games in Tryon.

Pricing:

• $45.00 hour lesson. Sessions are scheduled in 6-week sessions. $270.00 for the session

Contact Info:

• Website: www.highlonesomestables.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highlonesomestables/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/High.Lonesome.Therapeutic.Equestrian.Center