The Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii (THH) provides horseback riding lessons and equine therapy to help people of all ages and abilities in Waimanalo, Hawaii. Run by executive director Dana Vennen for over 15 years, THH has grown from 2 horses to 13 horses that serve around 100 participants per week. Vennen transforms lives by allowing individuals to spend time with and ride horses, helping to build confidence, strength, and social connections. THH especially benefits those with disabilities or health issues, as well as veterans, through the healing effects of horseback riding.

1. 8 InsideOutHawaii.com JULY/AUGUST 2015
COURTESYTHERAPEUTICHORSEMANSHIPOFHAWAII
CLOAKED BEHIND a half-mile stretch of
tall ironwood trees along Waimanalo’s
busy Kalanianaole Highway, a proud
program called the Therapeutic
Horsemanship of Hawaii (THH) lays
below the grand folds of the Ko‘olau
Mountains. Despite the constant humid
weather and long working days ahead,
executive director Dana Vennen can’t get
enough of the view.
“It never really gets old,” says
Vennen, as she looks out to the
mountains while hoisting up a saddle
on to a metal bar. “I have about 200
photos of the sun, rain, rainbows, the
moon, horses up the hills and mists up
the hills. It’s such a beautiful place.”
Home to 13 horses and eight
instructors,THH has helped thousands
of peoples’lives by simply allowing
individuals to be around, care for or ride
a horse. A volunteer since the late ’90s,
Vennen has transformed the 32-year-
old program from two horses and a few
riders to 100 eager participants a week.
“We’ve had some great strokes of
luck,” she says. “And some really great
people show up to help … overall I’ve
been really lucky.”
Although luck may be one of the
factors in the success of THH, kids and
parents can’t help but notice the hard
work and determination from Vennen
and the rest of the THH staff members.
A reason why Rose Selvaggio – mother
of two THH riders – keeps coming
back for her son’s lessons.
“Dana is so good,” beams
Selvaggio, whose sons Tristen and
Brenden grew interest in the sport after
they took a horseback-riding trip in
Kauai with the entire family.
“I love how patient (Dana) is with
them,” Selvaggio continues. “It looks
really easy but there’s so much skill that
goes into riding a horse. Dana knows
that it’s not easy for many people so
she’s always there to help.”
Therapeutic Horsemanship
of Hawaii helps island
residents of all ages
get up on a horse for
the first time.
By Kristen Nemoto
and the rest of the THH staff members.
A reason why Rose Selvaggio – mother
of two THH riders – keeps coming
back for her son’s lessons.Therapeutic Horsemanship
Giddy Up!
A young rider shows
off her skills at the
Waimanalo Therapeu-
tic Horsemanship of
Hawaii field.
| THERAPY THROUGH THE ART OF HORSEBACK RIDINGisland life

2. JULY/AUGUST 2015 InsideOutHawaii.com 9
Certified as a Premier Accredited
Center by the Professional Association
of Therapeutic Horsemanship
International (PATH),THH is a 501
(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes equine-
assisted activities and therapies to
individuals with special needs. Vennen,
however, is adamant to point out that
their services are available to everyone
willing to learn how to ride a horse
and be a part of their equine ohana.
“I think of it as more of a holistic
approach to healing,”Vennen says. “It
gives that sense of accomplishment
and confidence to kids. For people
who have gait issues, the symmetry
and the motion of the horse can help
with flexibility, strength and posture.
I’ve worked with the Wounded
Warriors program and the soldiers
who don’t know how to connect back
with society,THH gives them a topic
to talk about other than their time as
soldiers, and also gives them an outlet
to get away.”
The philosophy of THH radiates
through the program’s hard work and
dedication to its horses and riders.
It’s also home to many who aspire to
be better in horseback riding, as well
as learn life lessons and overcome
obstacles that may come their way.
“I think it’s a fun, safe place for
anybody who wants to learn how to
ride,”Vennen says. “Maybe even leave
a little happier too.”
For more information about THH
go to www.thhwaimanalo.org
“I think it’s a fun,
safe place for any-
body who wants to
learn how to ride.
Maybe even leave a
little happier too.”
OAHIO_150700_4_IL_Horseman.indd 9 6/5/15 10:22:03 AM
OAHIO_150700_0008-18.indd 9 6/5/15 2:47:54 PM