Meet P.J. Murray of SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship in Northwest, Spring and Fort Bend

Today we’d like to introduce you to P.J. Murray.

P.J., can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I began my career in Therapeutic Riding as a volunteer at a TR center in the Dallas area, following a career in private school education. After moving back to Houston in 2007, I began volunteering in weekly lessons at SIRE Therapeutic Riding Center’s Hockley Site as a trained horse leader and side-walker. While I was initially drawn to the idea of working with horses, I quickly became passionate about SIRE’s mission to improve the quality of life for people with special needs through therapeutic horsemanship activities and therapies, and educational outreach.

Unsure of my next career move, I continued to volunteer and do some consulting on the side. SIRE offered a new PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Instructor Training Course. At the urging of a friend, who had to endure my countless stories through every lunch, I decided to take the course. I did so for my own edification, with no expectation to become an instructor. Little did I realize that it would dramatically alter my life path. The course was a struggle for me. However, what I lacked in horsemanship experience and disabilities awareness, I made up with tenacity. With the support of my family and great mentors, I dove in head first and immersed myself in all there was to learn of the amazing healing power of horses and their remarkable ability to connect with humans.

The more I learned, the more I realized how little I knew. A PATH Intl. Certified Registered Instructor must be competent in basic levels of equine management, horsemanship, riding instruction, teaching methodologies and disabilities, in addition to be a proficient rider. I had my work cut out for me. I can’t tell you the exact day, but there was a perceptible shift in my focus on my own goals as an instructor to the realization I that was being given a tremendous gift. To look past labels and beyond the physical, cognitive, emotional and psychological constraints to see each individual person has been an awe-inspiring gift. Through this journey, I have learned more about myself and the kind of person I wanted to be. Becoming intimately involved and witnessing the courage these riders have while facing all sorts of daily challenges and adversity far surpassed any expectations I had when beginning my journey.

Nine years later, I take such great pride in managing the SIRE’s Hockley program as Site Manager and Head Instructor with an additional certification as Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. I have the privilege to work with a wonderfully talented staff, a group of incredibly dedicated volunteers, astoundingly courageous riders and the gentlest of all equines as my partners. Like most people, I came for the horses. Now, I leave each day in awe of the indomitable spirit that is inside each person.

God knows where he wants us. Sometimes we just need to get out of His way. This became quite apparent after receiving my biggest gift, my beautiful granddaughter, Evelyn. She was born with a rare genetic disorder four years ago. Now, I leave my barn each day to return home to her welcoming smile. What I have learned from my riders has helped me to be a better caregiver to her and in turn, what I learn from her helps me to be a better instructor to my riders. I can’t help but know that my journey has just begun, and I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would have to say my biggest struggle was not having a strong background in horsemanship. However, I have been blessed with great mentors, trainers and excellent veterinarians that share their experience and knowledge. I have essentially done every job in the program, so I have had the opportunity to increase my skills through the day to day challenges that come with running a program that consists of 100 riders, 200+ volunteers, and 16 horses.

Additionally, I must work hard to maintain a balance between my home and work life. Being the primary caregiver to a special needs individual has its own set of challenges. However, this challenge gives me a greater understanding of the struggles that these families face each day. This first- hand experience allows me to give them the support they need and do what I can to make their day just a little bit easier. Knowing that a community of support exists for families with special needs provides a great level of comfort.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship – what should we know?
Since 1983, SIRE has been improving the quality of life for people with special needs and disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship. Annually, we serve more than 300 clients with the people power of over 30,000 volunteer hours and the horsepower of some 27 horses at three locations across the greater Houston area. SIRE is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

SIRE serves adults and children with a wide variety of disabilities including, but not limited to cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, developmental delay, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.

Through equine-assisted activities and therapies, our riders experience the many benefits of therapeutic horsemanship including physical, cognitive, social and emotional. 90% of rider’s report that SIRE has been the best activity of the various therapies and activities they have experienced.

SIRE is proud to be a Premier PATH Int’l (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) Program. Our instructors have over 100+ combined years of teaching experience. Additionally, we offer an Instructor Training Course, provide mentorship to instructors-in-training, host PATH Onsite Workshop/Certifications and provide various clinics and training events throughout the year. We host interns from all around the world and have an MOA with the Korean Riding Association. We are the only therapeutic horsemanship program in the Greater Houston Area with this level of combined professional experience.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people have given my support over the years. My family was supportive from day one, enduring many dinners with an empty chair. When I would feel discouraged and want to give up, they were my biggest cheerleaders. Often, I would come home a warm meal and a new book about riding, training, horse health care to foster my education or simple inspirational quotes to encourage me.

I have had received guidance and input from many people, but my most influential mentor has been Anthony Busacca. Anthony is a PATH Intl. Master Level Instructor, Lead Evaluator and Equine Mental Health and Learning Specialist with over 30 years of experience in Therapeutic Horsemanship. He spent countless hours giving me lunge line lessons, mentoring me as an instructor-in-training, providing ongoing support in all areas of instruction, horse health care, training techniques and disabilities awareness. He remains a constant advisor providing guidance and support whenever I need it.

The greatest credit by far goes to my riders. From the youngest to the oldest, they have taught me what it means to have real courage. From the littlest guy with Cerebral Palsy to the gutsy group of gals that are battling Multiple Sclerosis, they have shown me that the human spirit can transcend all boundaries and that each of us has a unique purpose and many gifts to share our fellow man.

Pricing:

• SIRE follows a typical school year calendar, with lessons beginning the first week of September and ending the last week of May or the first week of June. The summer semester is considered separate and is charged for separately.
• The actual cost for one year of riding lessons (fall and spring semesters) is over $4,800 per rider, but thanks to our generous donors we are able to charge less than half this amount.
• Tuition rates vary because some days of the week have fewer meetings due to holidays, horse shows and other special events.
• If you would like to request financial aid, please contact the Administrative Assistant/Client Relations (email address) or phone 281-356-7588 x204. Financial Aid is limited and awarded annually; you must apply each year.

Contact Info:

• Address: SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship
  3 locations: Hockley, Spring and Fort Bend
• Website: www.sire-htec.org or www.sirehouston.org
• Phone: 281-356-7588
• Email: info@sire-htec.org
• Facebook: www.facebook@SIREhtec
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SIREhtec

Image Credit:
Todd Gilpin
PJ Murray

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