11/02/07 Turning point

Yesterday I told you about a very busy lady who loves her job, but has a real passion for a special project. I'm Jeff Keane; today I'll tell you about that project. Cathy Juchmes works four days a week as a teaching aid while her summers are taken up overseeing twelve youth program horse camps. Well, that leaves Cathy one day a week during the school year to pursue one of her favorite jobs as owner, instructor of a therapeutic horsemanship program called Turning Point. Participants in Turning Point include children and adults having cognitive, mental, emotional or physical difficulties. The program goal is for individuals to benefit from the horse relationship and have the opportunity to experience success. The program also demonstrates there is more freedom within the rules than breaking the rules. Students are allowed to earn their riding lesson. Turning Point runs from October to May at Appleatchee Riders arenas in Wenatchee, Washington. The riding club donates the use of those facilities to this program. Cathy uses five to six horses during the sessions and has a maximum of thirty students per week. Horses used need to be quite, willing and well mannered just like "Gabe" a retired cow cutting horse that really takes care of his assigned riders. I'm planning on visiting one of Cathy's classes to learn more but in the meantime you can call 663-6518 or write to Turning Point, P.O. Box 4011, Wenatchee, Washington 98807. I'm Jeff Keane.