Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Bryan.
Hi Patricia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Walk on Water began in 2005 when my mom had a heart attack and stroke. In order to aid her recovery, we brought her to a ranch and let her gaze out the window at the horses. One horse put its head in the window, and my mom’s first words were, “Whoa!” After mom returned home, we went to a conference, and the leader came up to me and said I feel you need to be in the leadership portion of the conference. That’s when I felt God calling me to start an Equine Therapy Program. “But God, I know so little about horses.” He said, ” Do you trust me?” And I said, ” Yes!”
We started with the purchase of 2 horses, a volunteer trainer, and our family. Offering free sessions on free leased land. We moved 5 times before we had our own property and went from serving 12 children a week to 4000 people per year.
Walk on Water Ministries (WOW) is an equine-assisted therapy and horseback riding program for individuals with special needs, at-risk teens, and typically developing children. Participants work with horses in a safe, compassionate environment.
“We are committed to teaching responsibility, self-confidence, teamwork, and God’s word with the help of our equine partners. We joyfully accept students of all abilities and backgrounds. WOW was built by the community for the community,” The main barn displays plaques inside to express their gratitude.
Riders include those with Special needs, Typical riders’ children, and adults. We also have a special Olympics team that runs from January to April. Most riders are supported by insurance, scholarships, Step up for Students, or donations.
The staff at Walk on Water consists of PATH-certified trainers, which means they are members of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International organization, degreed personnel, and therapists. This ensures that participants are getting the best of care in our Equine Assisted Therapy Program. Sessions involve guided interaction between staff, volunteers, and a horse which may include riding, grooming, feeding, and bonding with one of the ten rescued horses.
Our community has been very generous in providing for the needs of Walk on Water. More than 100 volunteers a month give of their time as feeders, leaders, side walkers, gardeners, fencing, or various building projects. Junior and senior high school students can earn hours for their Bright Futures Scholarships. Businesses around the county offer free services such as pest control (Slug-A-Bug), farrier (Diamond J), land clearing (Franklin), electrical (Accent), plumbing, air conditioning (Chilly Pig), landscaping, and feed delivery (Tractor Supply). Donors have supported WOW through our PayPal account on our website (walkonwaterhorses.com), Venmo, Zelle, and by providing Grants. Organizations such as churches, CVS, and Christian Care Ministry will send groups to volunteer to do special projects several times a year. Restaurants such as Chick-Fil-A, Ryan’s, Long Doggers, and Olive Garden donate food for our camps and Fall Festival.
Our Internship Program reaches across the country to anyone who would like to learn about starting their own program. Interns are sought out from colleges and similar equine therapy groups and apply to our program which runs Summer, Spring, Winter, and Fall. Interns selected for that season are provided lodging on campus and experience in the field and office. Intern inquiries can be made through email.
Praisedancer.bryan426@gmail.com. Please visit our website: Walkonwaterhorse.com
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building a ministry that serves people well takes time and patience. Our first challenge was finding a place to start. Sometimes we were in a place for a year and sometimes a few months. In 2013, we finally secured our own property and began building. We ran into neighbors who didn’t like horses and volunteers who didn’t have the same vision. But God paved all those roads as a learning experience, and now we have a wonderful staff, an indoor arena (the only one in Brevard County), a pavilion with bathrooms, a 10-stall barn, and 6.52 acres for the horse to roam on. God has truly blessed the broken road.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a Christian organization that Loves God and Loves People. The Golden rule! We love what we do. We help others to achieve their goals, Whether they have mental physical or behavioral disabilities. . We work with children and adults with special needs using ground work-grooming and caring for horses, mounted-in an indoor arena with sensory boards, or in the office counseling.
Contact Info:
- Website: Walkonwaterhorses.com
- Email: Wowhorsetherapy@gmail.com
- Instagram: Walkonwaterhorses
- Facebook: Walkonwaterministries
- Twitter: WOWhorses
