Provide HorseTHERAPY to 50 Nicaraguan Children

Familias Especiales has been searching for a new physical therapist for over two years.  We wanted someone full time and someone who wants to learn Horsetherapy. I am happy to announce that we have finally found a therapist and she has already started.  Darleen, also has some experience with horses since she had to ride horses to get to the patients in the campo in her last job.  Now she will begin learning the science of Horsetherapy with Gustavo who is titled from the University of Gimbernat en Barcelona Spain in this scientific therapy based on the horse's muscle movement in coordination with the human muscles.

With the death of Encantada, our third horse, we were left with Parjaro  our fourth horse to work with the children.   Don Alvaro, the owner of the most beautiful horses in Matagalpa,  has recently been able to introduce a new horse so we will be able to really work full time in Horsetherapy, now with two horses and two therapists.

We continue with people with all kinds of different disABILITES riding into health.  Victor a young man who was born blind is just stating but he has already fallen in love with his sessions.  Horses are the best way to raise self-esteem.  We have decided that perhaps even some of our mothers might benefit from a little bit of  Horsetherapy.  Gustavo will evaluate those who are interested.  And see what therapy can be offered.  This will give mother leaders an opportunity to experience this therapy and be able to promote it to others. We have been waiting for this moment for a while and now we have a physical therapist fulltime and a second horse  even after the death of Encantada.  Today all the students from the special education school went to the finca for Horsetherapy since it is also the fresh air and relaxation which helps them to deal with stress. Hipoterapia is a scientifically based therapy which also includes the relaxation which comes from being in a finca and just being in relation with these beautiful Spanish Breed horses that Don Alvaro Reyes treats as athletes. Before the new horse starts it has to go through a time of adjustment in its diet and in its rest cycle.  They are beautiful animals who don’t have that long of a life expectancy in comparison to humans.  But when they  work with our children and young people they share their spirit of strength and beauty, and live on in the memory of those they helped.  So we are very grateful to Don Alvaro for replacing the horses, and caring for our Horsetherapy program even in the midst of Nicaragua’s Social Political crisis which has taken its toll on coffee producers such as Don Alvaro.  As He said to us “ I am committed to making sure that my horses are dedicated to these children no matter what happens.”  It is a family commitment that has lasted 18 years, even thru the death of three horses, giving much life to children who would otherwise be isolated and immobile.

Links:

• news report on horsetherapy
• hipoterapia explained