An Overview of Equine-Assisted Therapy

A law enforcement professional for more than 40 years, San Mateo County sheriff Gregory “Greg” Munks was elected to his current position in 2006. Previously, he spent 13 years as the undersheriff of San Mateo County. Greg Munks has served on the boards of numerous charitable organizations, including the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy.

Established in 1971, the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy provides equine-assisted activities such as adaptive riding and social skills training for children and adults in the San Francisco area. Equine assisted therapy (EAT) is an experiential modality that encourages individuals with physical and cognitive challenges to interact with horses in a safe, nurturing environment.

Riding horses and participating in activities such as grooming and feeding fosters an emotional bond between the participant and the animal. The physical benefits of equine therapy include improved balance, respiration, circulation, and muscle strength, and the therapy also provides critical social benefits such as improved interpersonal and communication skills.

Relying on the support of numerous volunteers, NCEFT serves around 150 individuals each week.

TAILS Program Pairs Inmates and Shelter Dogs

Since 2006, Greg Munks has served as elected sheriff of San Mateo County, where he has implemented various programs to reduce crime and enhance the San Mateo community. Sheriff Gregory “Greg” Munks received the President's Award from the Peninsula Humane Society for his work with the Transitioning Animals Into Loving Situations (TAILS) program.

Established in 2009, the TAILS program partners the sheriff’s office and the SPCA to train dogs and prepare them for adoption. Working with dogs that have previously had limited adoption potential, minimum-security inmates provide 24-hour care and attention, as well as exercise, discipline, and training.

Over a period of 8 weeks, SPCA trainers visit once a week to observe and guide inmates in their work with the animals. In addition to the weekly, hour-long obedience classes, the dogs live with the inmates and benefit greatly from the constant companionship. Animals that participate in the program typically undergo remarkable transformations, while inmates develop valuable caretaking skills. As one group of dogs graduates and is placed for adoption, a new group begins training with inmates.