Horse Play Therapy and Tackett Service Dogs are teaming up to create a wellness center where animals help humans heal and improve their quality of life and mental health.
The center, which will operate at the former Ridgeline Country Club in Orange, will provide services to military personnel suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health disorders, as well as anyone else who might benefit.
The groups hope the center will be open by June 1.
Dr. Carole Harris, who started an equine assisted psychotherapy practice at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, and Tom Tackett, an experienced behavioral consultant and competition dog trainer based in Orange, will join forces for the center.
The property – a 51-acre site in Orange Park Acres – is owned by Milan REI, IV. The site has been approved for the development of 39 equestrian estate homes and new recreational facilities. However, according to a press release, the owner is welcoming the wellness center onto the site as a temporary activity as the state appellate court reviews a lawsuit pertaining to the development.
For more information about Harris and Horse Play Therapy, visit horseplaytherapy.net. For information on Tackett Service Dogs, visit tackettservicedogs.com. Both organizations are in the process of obtaining nonprofit status.
