Meet Alaidem Faride Vivas Hadgialy | International Horse Judge, Horse Assisted Therapy Specialist, Horse and Riding Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alaidem Faride Vivas Hadgialy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alaidem Faride, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was born in Táriba, a town close to San Cristóbal, capital of the State of Táchira, located in the Venezuelan Andes, on May 22, 1971. I grew up in a working-class family of deep humanist principles. In my studies I have always stood out for my eloquence, joy, and entrepreneurial ability. From the age of eight, I started in the world of the Gaited Horse, thanks to which I toured the tracks of Venezuela, always achieving the highest awards for my region.
In 1986 I learned to ride jumpers and trained with an excellent teacher and Olympic Medalist, Commander Rivas. In 1991 I began to teach riding lessons on creole gaited horses, creating the first riding school in my state. For more than 10 years I worked for the development of the sport of Riders and Amazons of Gaited horses as an instructor, reaping many successes with my students nationally and internationally. Parallel to my work as a riding instructor, I pursued my career as a Horse Judge, graduating in 2005, so I couldn’t continue teaching in this discipline. Many people had asked me about horse-assisted therapy, so I chose to deepen my studies by traveling to Spain to specialize as a horse-riding trainer and a Hippotherapist.I returned to my country with the excitement of bringing this new horse-assisted therapy technique to Venezuela. Unfortunately I met some politicians who took advantage of my project and plagiarized it. This led me to make the decision to create the Foundation for the Development of Zootherapy in Venezuela FUNDAZOO, in 2005..

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
FUNDAZOO is a non profit organization dedicated to developing and spreading all kinds of animal assited therapies. The most importan of these is horse assisted therapy for its huge impact on people. We are an institution dedicated to the dissemination, research, and application of horse and animal assisted therapies in full contact with nature around Latin America.

Equine therapy is based on a comprehensive therapeutic method that uses the horse within an interdisciplinary approach for areas such as: health, recreation, education and sport.

The horse’s gait, together with its muscular conformation, the warmth of its body, its rhythm and its nobility, stimulate neuronal permeability, thus improving the quality of life of the person with physical-psycho-socio-sensory disabilities.

Over time we have spread the technique through conferences, workshops and training courses. Our program ” From Rehabilitation to Sport” has been very succesfull. Our instructor certification course Hipotherapy Comprehensive Assisted Rehabilitation with Horses has been very well received and has demonstrated the effectiveness in the application of techniques appropriate to the needs and capabilities of the users.

We used to have 10 programs running in different cities, unfortunately all this was suspended for a time due to the complex economic and political situation that our country was going through. We had to look at other horizons, In 2020, a new stage began. Currently, it has been reactivated and 5 programs are operating in Venezuela. So in the same way the work of expanding the programs was intensified, the projection at an international level has also been very successful, managing to implement programs in Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Puerto Rico and now in the United States.

I think the most important thing I have learned is that obstacles appear to be overcome and that the best therapists emerge from great forges.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When someone comes to visit me in San Diego, I want to take them to the best places the city has to offer. Visiting Balboa Park, its museums, and the Zoo is a plan that requires several days. Taking them for a ride on my horses along the trails or beaches on horseback is another plan that cannot be missed.

The nights are vibrant in this city, the gastronomic possibilities are very varied, seafood is very popular and delicious. Taking them to dinner at The Fish Market or The Brigantine is a delicious and exciting experience. A walk along the Embarcadero can take you to visit maritime museums and live the emotion of being on an old ship, a submarine or an aircraft carrier. It is something truly amazing.

Going dancing at the Spanish-style Cafe Sevilla or tasting a plate of original Asian food is another option to enjoy in this city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many people and books that left their mark on me but the most important character that has influenced my career and my life is Monty Roberts, the best cowboy I have ever known, his book “The Man Who Listens to Horses” changed the way I see them and I instilled in me the desire to learn to communicate with them. I recently had the privilege of meeting him. The second is Edith Gross, one of the world’s great teachers of equine therapy. Her book “Equine Therapy Rehabilitation through the Horse”, gave me the tools to start my career. Learning from her was always an honor for me. I am proud to be her disciple and follow in her footsteps.

Website: www.fundazoointl.org www.serenitybonita.com

Instagram: @faridevivashc

Linkedin: Faride Vivas

Facebook: Faride Vivas

Youtube: Faride Vivas

Image Credits
from my private colecction and Cleyder Ortiz