Special Message

Panhandle ILC is your "Key to Independence" a symbol of the assistance and encouragement we offer to people with disabilities. More than 40 years ago in California, a group of people living in nursing homes simply because they were disabled, refused to give up their rights. Working together, they formed the first Independent Living Center, left the nursing homes, and began advocating for themselves.

This spirit continues in Centers all across America and in Amarillo where we help fill in the gaps left by other agencies. We encourage people to become their own advocates, take risks, accept responsibility, and gain control over their own lives. It's about participating as full and equal members of the community.

The philosophy behind Independent Living is that: "Everyone, regardless of disability, should have equal access to the rights and responsibilities that each citizen has to be as active and productive a member of society as he chooses to be."

Students Gain “Horse Sense” During 7-Star Therapy Center Tour

While applying a fresh coat of paint, students learned the various parts of a horse.

Up until this year’s YES summer program, students had all heard about giving a car a new paint job, but never a horse!

On July 16, the boys and girls mounted up for a trip to the 7-Star Horse Therapy arena where they learned about equine services and vocational opportunities. They also learned about basic horse health care and how to recognize a horse that isn’t feeling well. Experienced trainers at the arena led students through a few tips about safety and how to avoid being kicked.

The students then took turns actually painting several horses as a means of learning the different body parts. They used special non-toxic paint around the eyes, nose, ears, legs, hips, shoulder and back. As they painted each area, they learned how the horse moves and why – such as shooing away a fly. All of a sudden, what used to be an Arabian horse, was now a Paint horse!

Students then enjoyed a little horse grooming and worked in teams while brushing the coats. A highlight of the trip was a demonstration in which a rider put a horse through its paces; from a walk to canter, then a trot to a run. Students then toured the stables while hearing about the many vocational opportunities that exist.

Everyone agreed the 7-Star tour was one of their best adventures ever, and a chance to gain new ideas about building rewarding futures while horsing around with friends.