H.O.R.S.E.

Zach's Story

When Zach, age 8, came to H.O.R.S.E. he was locked in his own shell, he was fascinated with the frogs, kitties and even dirt on the farm but interaction with us was difficult. He wasn't interested as much in the horses either because we asked him to pick up brushes and groom them. He didn't want to touch the brushes or the horse. He gave little to no eye contact, communicated in one word answers, and basically did as little interaction as possible. After a few months in the H.O.R.S.E. Focus, here is what Zach's mother had to say:

I was reading the paper, back in early summer, and saw an article about H.O.R.S.E. I had heard about the type of therapy they talked about, but hadn't really investigated it. I was curious and looked up the web site, read about the treatment and how the horses were used to help kids with different problems.

My son is diagnosed with Asperger's Autism and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. His first year was very violent and not at all stable. When we got Zach at 8 months, he had been thru a lot. We adopted him, because we wanted to make sure he got the home and help that all kids deserve.

At the time I read the article, we were between therapists, since ours had moved out of state. We were having a few recurring behavior problems and I thought, “Maybe this might work.”

You never really know what is going to work or not. Play therapy had been helpful, but talk therapy had gone nowhere. I called and set up our first appointment, a little doubtful, but with a small hope that something in this might break thru to him. Stacie explained the program to me and Brenda said that it could be awhile before we saw any changes. I told her I knew not to expect miracle, but maybe……….

One afternoon after going to therapy at H.O.R.S.E. for a couple of months, my son came flying into the house and plopped himself into my lap. He had fallen and had come so I could fix the hurt. Now to most people, this is normal behavior in a child when they have hurt themselves. This was the first time EVER that Zach had done this. Before, when he was hurt, he would just come tell me, and I might or might not get to help him. To me this was a small miracle. He wanted me to help and hold him. Other families have bedtime rituals. Zach would just say he was tired and my husband would read him a story and he would go to sleep. No touching, no hugging, no kiss goodnight. That was his ritual. He come one night and said “Good Night”, then he gave me this shy little hug, then he went and did the same with my husband. Now it doesn't happen every night, but it is happening. Zach is reaching out. I know this sounds small to most people, but it is HUGE to my husband and me. Our Zach is finding a way to us. We have a long way to go, but we are moving ahead now.

Rachel's Story

In November of 2004, Ann wrote us the following story about her daughter's experience in HORSE Partnership Naturally (HPN). HPN is a program that teaches horsemanship while emphasizing life skills such as problem solving, emotion identification and control, relationship skills, decision making, improves self confidence and self esteem. This is the story:

As the mother of an adopted daughter diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder, I am watchful for experiences that might strengthen the healing that is taking place in her life. She had expressed interest in horses, but I was reluctant to try “just” a riding program that might not allow fore her special needs. When we found H.O.R.S.E., it seemed like a natural. My daughter has benefited greatly from the structure and success that this program provides. Each session builds on the previous one, so skills develop at a comfortable pace. The knowledgeable staff does not let her use the behaviors that have impeded her progress in the past, such as displays of helplessness, or passive and overt attempts at control. Communication is easy and open among us all, another plus.

Two outstanding benefits have emerged from this program. The first is obvious. This child, who once was detached, frightened, and full of rage, now shows pride, grace and confidence with the horses. The other benefit has been a surprise. On our trips to and from sessions, she has opened up about her past life and the experiences that have caused her pain. We are able to discuss these experiences with little to distract us, and her healing is strengthened in the way as well. Finding H.O.R.S.E. and Brenda and Stacie has been a significant positive in our lives.

Ann Sinclair – mother of 12 year old girl

Update: Since that time, Rachel, has continued in our program. Although technically she continues in HPN, and her horse skills have blossomed, the neatest thing is Rachel's continued personal growth. In a large sense, Rachel has crossed the lines between HORSE Talk and HPN. HORSE Talk is HORSE's program that is pure psychotherapy -with the help of the horses of course. Rachel has continued to demonstrate increased self confidence, self esteem, better social skills, improved decision making and problem solving skills. Additionally, however, she has opened up not only to her mother but also to us as we work with the horses and begin the process of healing her tragic history prior to adoption.