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MGH: How it all began
More than 30 years ago, Marianna Greene Henry encouraged her parents, Pat and Marilyn Greene, to begin hosting hippotherapy classes for AIDB students on their family farm. Her ultimate dream was to build a facility that would provide various equine therapy programs to children with disabilities.
Tragically, Marianna died at age 31 before she could see her dream become a reality. As a family, Pat and Marilyn along with their son, Tim, carried out Marianna’s dream and founded the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian (MGHSE) Program in her memory. The facility is now world-renowned and accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl. (PATH Intl.) and serves between 300-400 children who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, or multidisabled children per year.
MGHSE offers therapeutic programs to AIDB students such as hippotherapy, equine facilitated learning, equine facilitated mental health, equine facilitated psychotherapy, speech therapy, therapeutic riding, riders club, and trail rides. Through participation in these activities, AIDB students exercise static muscles, improve balance and motor skills, improve verbal skills, and build self-esteem, confidence, and pride.
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A Horse Named Roger
One special member of the MGH herd embodies all of the qualities that are necessary for the equine therapy — a 25-year-old Paint named Roger.
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A Special Equestrian Program
They say that once you experience the limitless spirit of AIDB, that AIDB finds a permanent home in your heart. That sentiment is true for Iris Hamlin, a dedicated volunteer for MGH.
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M. P. Greene of Talladega Honored for His Service
For over 30 years, M. P. (Pat) Greene, founder of the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), has given his time and energy to AIDB.
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Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program Hosts Alternative Spring Break
AIDB’s Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program hosted 12 students as part of Vanderbilt University’s Alternative Spring Break, a student-run service organization that is dedicated to motivating students to become active citizens through intentional community engagement.
