HORSE HEROES

Therapeutic riding horses do an important job, so they need to be the right fit for the task.

- KIM MACMILLAN

A hero is an individual admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Therapeutic riding horses earn that “hero” title every time they are led out of their stalls to do their very important jobs.

Horses used for therapeutic riding and adaptive horsemanship change the lives of the people they work with in many ways: They help children and adults with physical and mental disabilities, emotional trauma, and learning difficulties. They give mobility to those who can’t walk on their own and so much more. These horses are partners, teachers and friends.

Working with these special equines can help people improve sensory and motor skills for better coordination, balance and posture. They may also gain increased body strength, confidence and independence, and learn teamwork.

REAL STORIES

Here are two stories of heroic therapeutic riding horses in action, both from Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Centers.

Kate Storjohann is lead instructor at the Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program (MGHSE) in Talladega, Ala., where she works with deaf, blind and multi-disabled students. She has witnessed many examples of the healing power of horses, but one story stands out.

Kate was teaching a blind, autistic student who had not spoken to anyone in the three years she had been going to MGHSE.