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History of Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Center

Breaking Free Therapeutic Riding Center began as a calling by God for Linda Lake in 2005, she began to follow what the Lord was laying out. Mrs. Lake began to have a deep desire to serve children with disabilities in a unique and lasting way. Using the family farm and a few of her own horses as the starting point, she was inspired to begin a non-profit (501c3) organization and begin the relationship with PATH International that would serve the larger community.

While working full time in the public schools, Linda began to share her vision for the organization, building a strong base of volunteers and community supporters. Three years later, the Board of Trustees was created, and several dedicated volunteers recruited along with her husband. Breaking Free was granted 501(c)3 status on January 24, 2008. In just a few short years, the Center has grown exponentially. The original base of five volunteers has grown to over 60 annually.

From its inception, Breaking Free has looked to PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International), and in following their strict standards received their Premier Accredited Center Member certification in 2013. Breaking Free currently offers two types of activities for children with disabilities in Muskingum–Guernsey and surrounding counties: a day-camp/group outing program and our formal riding-for-the-handicapped program for children ages 4 –25 years. Recently added has been our riding lessons and Veteran's Horses for Heroes, Family Wellness, Health care workers, Day camps, Veteran retreats, & many County agency programs.

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