By rebecca trujillo | directora
Wow, the very air is filled with excitement, as Horse Therapy opens, after five months of quarantine. The therapist and new assistant are bringing the children to the farm for the first sessions, as nature greets them with sunshine, fresh air, and the neighing of the horses. Their equipment is ready: saddles, masks, and shields are all in place. Mothers and children are all set to ride, stretch, strengthen, and grow their muscles.
"We worked with families, by phone and internet to do exercises, but that virtual work doesn’t straighten legs for standing or strengthen neck muscles to lift heads, without the help of the horses, we found many children had lost what they had gained in therapy before the shutdown, “ said Gustavo, the Titled Horse Therapist. Each case is different, but all of the children have lost some muscle control, strength, balance, and flexibility. The long calls on the smartphones to parents did pay off in motivation, keeping the children moving, but there is no comparison to the Horse Therapy they will now receive at Special Families.
The horses went on a regimented diet and exercise program one week before to prepare for the children. These horses are considered athletes, working with vulnerable, yet happy children. They were sad missing the children, according to the owner, they instinctively know that the children need them. The children also missed the horses, never losing their love of these large animals, even during the quarantine.
A strong hope lives in this large outdoor arena, where these children can quickly regain their muscle tone, strength, and balance relating to nature. The therapist created new goals for each child so that they can regain what they lost. The horses appear to glide with an agility that they didn’t possess before the shutdown, they make a difference in each child's life, helping them to reach their goals.
The therapist and the assistant are learning how to wear their masks and shields, plus assist the children with theirs, in the heat, so that they can do this therapy safely. Health precautions are challenging but well worth it, says Gustavo, as he is actively working to give more space and time for each child. Oscar, the assistant, is confident that he can work with the horses to ensure the safety of the children.
Good effective Horse therapy happens through teamwork. The whole team works together for balance, strength, tone, flexibility, and safety. Our team includes the therapist, the assistant, the parents, the horses, the children, as well as you, our supporters.
Parents are grateful, more aware now of the benefits of working directly with a therapist, after trying to do the exercises alone, at home. They realize that Horse Therapy opens up new possibilities for their children's growth so they can reach their goals.
The organization is grateful that all avoided the virus, during the quarantine, and are continuing precautions, as they improve the livelihood of these families with children with disabilities.
Knowing that you are on our team, makes a difference as we re-open amid this pandemic. It is great to know that we are not alone.
The horses are contentedly gliding, the children are enjoying their ride, the mothers are smiling, the therapist and the assistant are giving their all, in gratitude for this opportunity that your donations made possible. Thank you!
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