Deb and Butch VanderBand decided to bring Equine Assisted Development of the Great Lakes or EAD, right into the heart of metro Grand Rapids.
But to do that they had to buy a distinctive piece of real estate.
"It’s twenty-two acres and has an indoor arena, pasture space, stables, it has a very, very large home on it."
Situated on the southeast corner of 32nd and Shaffer, the property used to house cheetahs and zebras - among other exotic animals, before it was effectively abandoned.
"We are restoring it to its original glory. Every day is a new step in restoring it, it’s like a rebuild."
If you’re wondering why it’s equine and not equestrian development, like I was, it’s because the exercises don’t include riding.
"It can be as simple as having four different horses in the arena, and we give a person the task to catch a horse and bring it back to us."
The VanderBands are working on restorations now and are issuing a call for volunteers and supporters to help them get ready for their May 14th grand opening.
Those interested can visit them at www.eadgl.org.
