By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
A non-profit organization in Middletown that provides equine therapy for military veterans is saddling up for a June fundraiser.
Serenity Stables, which is located at 660 Kings Highway E in Middletown, will hold its second annual Sunset Gala Fundraiser on June 3 from 5 p.m. to 8.
The fundraiser, which will be held on site at the stables, will feature music, country line dancing lessons, a BBQ, the opportunity to meet the organization’s horses, raffle prizes and silent auction items.
Admission is $50. The rain date for the fundraiser is June 10.
According to Brooke Lichter, the equine specialist in mental health and learning, Serenity Stables offers services to veterans and their families free of charge.
“Our therapy is collaborative, joining the efforts of licensed clinical counselors and horse professionals who work side by side with veterans and horses to address individual treatment goals,” Lichter said. “Horses mirror people’s emotions and this is what makes them so unique. Just the act of petting an animal releases Oxytocin (the feel-good hormone) in both the human and the animal and this is mutually beneficial.
“Horses are social in nature, respond to non-verbal communication and are extremely sensitive, providing different opportunities for veterans to interact with and relate to our horses, which in turn allows them to explore further the way they are coping in life,” Lichter said.
Serenity Stables was founded by Rene Stone, whose her father was a disabled veteran, according to Lichter. Equine assisted therapy activities are provided to veterans returning from deployment with a broad spectrum of physical, mental and emotional disabilities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
“We have six beautiful therapy horses along with barn therapy cats,” Lichter said. “It is in very peaceful location with full privacy.”
Lichter became involved in equine assisted therapy after her brother took part in a separate therapeutic horseback riding program. Following five years with the program, she joined Serenity Stables.
“Combining my love of horses and helping people has truly been a dream come true,” Lichter said. “Being able to thank and serve those who give so much to our country is such an honor.”
Any individuals who wish to provide donations and / or set up an appointment for services may contact Serenity Stables at 732-245-9559 or [email protected].