Bradford Woods announces new partnership with Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources

  • April 21, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. -- Bradford Woods, Indiana University's Outdoor Center, has announced a new partnership with Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources Inc., a mission-centered organization specializing in cultivating personal growth through horse-facilitated experiences. Agape will provide equine therapy programming at the Bradford Woods Equine Center near Martinsville, Ind.

In 1986, Agape began as a summer program at Bradford Woods that allowed children with disabilities to work with horses. Soon after, Agape began providing year-round programming at its location in Cicero, Ind. Beginning this June, Agape will expand programming to include year-round services at the Bradford Woods campus. Services will include equine-facilitated learning, therapeutic riding, professional trainings, carriage driving, and various leadership and team-building retreats.

"With this partnership, Agape will serve over 800 youth enrolled in our medically specific summer camp programs," Bradford Woods Director Shay Dawson said. "Additionally, we look forward to working with Agape to provide year-round equine-assisted therapy services to area clients, specialized equine-assisted therapy trainings to medical professionals, and research and learning opportunities to Indiana University students and faculty."

Bradford Woods is a unit of the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies in the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington.

With this partnership, Agape will serve over 800 youth enrolled in our medically specific summer camp programs. Additionally, we look forward to working with Agape to provide year-round equine-assisted therapy services to area clients, specialized equine-assisted therapy trainings to medical professionals, and research and learning opportunities to Indiana University students and faculty.Bradford Woods Director Shay Dawson

With Agape's initial start through Indiana University at Bradford Woods, Agape founder Cheryl Miller was able to launch a lifelong vision. As a result of parents' requests and therapists who witnessed the summer success, Miller established a full-time program in Cicero, serving individuals and schools throughout Central Indiana year-round.

"The partnership and collaboration with Bradford Woods gave us the ability to start something truly miraculous," Miller said. "There is no greater way to expand than to go back to where we originally took root."

Agape Executive Director Amanda Bocik has an eye toward expansion for the mission-centered organization.

"Our future goals include Agape's ability to continue to grow in the number of people we're serving and in the impact we’re making," Bocik said. "Agape is thrilled to announce our first step in achieving this mission-focused growth."

About Agape
Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources Inc. is a Premier Accredited PATH International center that provides equine-assisted activities and therapies in Central Indiana. As one of Indiana’s largest and oldest therapeutic riding centers, Agape’s Cicero location sits on 20 acres and offers year-round programs with an indoor arena. Today, the nonprofit has more than 20 horses and serves more than 1,400 people annually. Agape’s mission is to cultivate personal growth by strengthening the mind, body and spirit through unique horse-facilitated experiences. 

About Bradford Woods
Bradford Woods is an auxiliary enterprise of Indiana University affiliated with the School of Public Health-Bloomington and is a unit of the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Studies. As a key component of the university family, Bradford Woods seeks to promote and further the mission of the university through the teaching, service, programs and research Bradford Woods provides.

For over 50 years, Bradford Woods has been providing recreational, educational and leadership development opportunities to youth and adults locally, nationally and globally. Today, Bradford Woods annually serves over 25,000 people from different walks of life and parts of the world.

Related Links

The barn and equine center at Bradford Woods

The barn and equine center at Bradford Woods | Photo by Bradford Woods

Print-Quality Photo

Media Contacts

Shay Dawson

Director

  • Bradford Woods
  • Office 765-342-2915
  • sldawson@indiana.edu