Horse Therapy
Riding High In The Saddle
Through equine therapy autistic kids bond with horses. From hugging, brushing, and patting the horses an autistic child can experience acts of care and affection which helps them to develop emotional bonds which are transferable to their interactions with friends and family members.
Riding horses also moderates behavioral disorders through the rhythmic movements of the horse which can soothe the children like Nolan and relieve them of their frustration because the horses are slow and steady, presenting a calm temperament.
Kids confined to wheelchairs and those with spina bifida, cerebral palsy and developmental delays can expand their range of motion and experience of movement through riding horses. When a horse moves the rider has to twist and balance causing an otherwise wheelchair bound child to strengthen muscles and increase balance. In the video above, Sue explains the specific details of how horses provide physical therapy to help the bodies of the kids confined to wheelchairs.
Equine therapy has the added benefit of giving the boys at the ranch an opportunity to practice responsibility as they pursue a purpose. Gosephat, Giovanni and Jaciel bond while growing together in service of younger kids in need.
Horses are a central part of what we do at His Wings Ranch. We currently have five horses at the ranch including two baby horses who are on track to becoming future therapy horses. Chonita, Alba and Saphira are the three active adult horses that do the heavy lifting in terms of therapy.
Seasoned and reliable therapy horses are expensive and take years to train to remain calm when ridden by unpredictable children with limited physical and social abilities. For this reason we train our own. Two baby horses have been born on the ranch over the past year and are on their way to becoming the next generation of therapy horses.
Just this past year we were blessed by the addition of our new tack room which provides a large, clean, safe and organized place to keep saddles, bridles, pads, feed and helmets so we can serve the kids.
A special thank you to the Jones Family volunteers from Alabama who built it in memory of Reverend Don Jones.
Haciel and his horse Sadie are both growing up on the ranch helping kids with special needs. They have the stamina, commitment and calling and could use your help as a partner!
