Therapeutic Riding Programs Benefit

Horses and Humans

By Cindy Johnson | Email: cjquimby@gmail.com

High on a hill in Steuben County Indiana, a herd of 20 plus rescue horses, minis, donkey's, mules, goats, sheep, dogs, and a potbellied pig named Josie, hang out on a 10-acre refuge and earn their keep by helping others. The non-metabolic horses roam on spacious acreage with ample hay and shelter, while the skinny members feast on lush pasture.

Their jobs are to heal themselves and others challenged by mental, emotional, and physical problems. Allison Wheaton explained, “Each pair (human and animal) seem to find each other based on their needs.”

Most of the horses used in the therapy program come from rescues, donations, and sale barns. One two-year old was starved as a yearling and now blossoms with health and happiness.

A feisty 27-year old mule was previously owned by a person who had developed Dementia and forgot about her to the point of starvation. She is now gaining weight and enjoying life.

One gelding suffered such severe abuse when he was kept chained that he became dissociative, terrified of people and dangerous in his fight or flight mindset. He was paired with a client sharing the same problem who could recognize when he went into his trance and checked out. Both are working on their condition and showing improvement.

The stories are varied and sad, but the end results are beneficial for the animals and humans. Allison believes that every horse can help somebody

Two young mustangs from Wyoming joined the gang in May as part of the Mustang Adoption Program following a burro who was adopted from the Bureau of Land Management. All newcomers will be gentled by veterans under Allison's supervision.

Some of the herd serve as non-riding companions, while 13 horses are currently being ridden by clients.

“A lot of the horses just get dumped on us, and we incorporate them into our program. During Covid, we'd get calls averaging 8 horses per week that people wanted to donate. Unfortunately, we couldn't take that many. It was a bad time,” Alllison said.

“Since the horses come from varying backgrounds, we don't always know what to expect. One TB mare was difficult to load. We finally got her loaded and took her to Ft. Wayne for the program and then couldn't load her to bring her home. We tried everything, different trailers, different handlers, and even sedation. Nothing worked. I made the decision to walk her back to Angola a distance of 41 miles. It took 2 days. We turned it into an event showing that people often treat those with mental and emotional problems unfairly People would say, “She deserves to have sore feet since she wouldn't load,” she said. This horse was worth the effort. Someone decided to individually sponsor her when they heard her story

Each week, 12 veterans take part in the therapeutic program. Steve is one of the long-term clients who began his therapy in

2008 after a traumatic brain injury left him paralyzed on his left side and with PTSD. He began riding using a lift to get on the horse. As he got stronger, he is now able to get on from a mounting block and recently graduated to a more-lively horse.

Veterans come from the Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Gulf Wars. One former pilot who served in Korea also participates in the program. Funding for the program is primarily through private donations and grants. Funding from the VA is limited as there are so many restrictions.

Annually, this program costs around $130,000 which includes feed, veterinary bills, farrier and feed bills along with Allison's salary. Further staffing includes 30 trained volunteers who help keep the program alive.

Besides veterans, the therapeutic program helps children and adults suffering from physical, emotional, and mental problems. Connections are made by word-of-mouth including referrals from therapists. Treatment for eating disorders often includes equine therapy One young client has a permanent rod in her back and works on core strength training and flexibility which helps her keep a positive outlook on her life.

Allison found her way to becoming an equine therapist via an indirect route. As a child, she had access to “amazing neighbors who let me help out in their barn, scooping poop, so I got to ride. My sister and I had a full collection of Breyer horses and while I stuck with my love for them, she chose boys. Funny, my niece is a 'mini-me' and is crazy about horses,” she said.

Studying International cultures and business at UNC Chapel Hill in North Carolina, Allison dually earned her pilot's license. After graduation, she flew fishermen in Canada and took flight instruction jobs. “After a while, I felt like a taxi driver. Something was missing from my life. A friend suggested I volunteer at a therapeutic riding program in Seattle. Once there, I found all the things I love,” she said.

In 2005, Allison met her boyfriend and moved with him to Angola, Indiana. She started volunteering at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center in Battle Creek, Michigan and earned her certification as a therapeutic riding instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship.

In 2006, she started her own program at Summit Equestrian Center in Ft. Wayne, Indiana using an indoor arena. She con- ducts her sessions there on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and some weekends, trailering in her horses from Angola.

To raise awareness for the plight of veterans, (statistics reveal that each day, and average of 22 veterans take their own lives), Allison and her crew organized a 20-mile ride through downtown Ft. Wayne last year. The event was called ‘Trail to 20.’ This year's ride will be held on Saturday, September 16th. Last year's ride featured 30 horses and riders.

The Veteran portion of their program costs around $70,000 annually. Veterans, their spouses and kids also receive help. Many veterans benefit from their interaction with horses and can translate that success into their own lives.

There are two major fundraisers annually, one held in May and the other in September The May fundraiser featured a sniper from Vietnam as speaker along with a BBQ dinner.

The Friday before Veteran's Day, November 3rd, “Stock the Barn Day” will have a live band, food and will also be held in their indoor arena in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

The need for funding is always present in non-profit organizations. Donations and individual corporate sponsorships are always needed and welcome. Allison can be reached at 260619-270 or email: allison@summitequestrian.org. Visit Summit Equestrian Center online at: https://summitequestrian.org/ or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SummitEquestrianFW

About the author: Cindy Johnson has been a horse owner since she was 13 years old. She is also a freelance writer. If you wish to have an article written about your equine pursuits, please email her at: cjquimby@gmail.com

Outdated Ideas

Kim Cardeccia | https://confidencethroughconnection.com/

Sometimes thoughts and ideas that have perpetuated in the horse industry are not helpful. Many of us were taught some things that end up working not only against us, but against our horses as well. Shedding some light on a couple of these ideas can help us focus our thoughts and intentions in a manner that creates more harmony with our horses.

Here's one of the most absurd things that I was taught: Never let the horse know you're afraid. Not only did I hear it come from the instructor's mouths during group lessons, I remember reading it in books. Of course, I read every horse book I could get my hands on when I was a kid. Sort of true now, but I use much more discretion. Back to the point, it was common belief to try to hide from the prey animal that you were scared.

Did you catch in that advice there was also the implication that you shouldn't be scared? Because, of course, you had to hide your fear, you shouldn't be having it. And, how exactly does one hide fear? Pretty much by acting in a way that resembles anger or aggression. Because we usually try to make ourselves bigger and bolder if we don't want to be seen as scared. Another idea that does not promote trust with our horses. Not to mention how it invalidates our human experience!

Another confusing concept is around the notion that we can't let our horses get away with things. It's akin to letting them know we're the boss. Obviously these ideas are steeped in getting compliance from horses. Although most of us now know that horses are usually confused, scared or in pain when they can't accept our invitations, we might have to remind ourselves when we have a rough day with our horses. Or, when we are receiving advice. Sometimes what is offered is not congruent with our personal philosophy. But when we get frustrated or are off our game, we can get pulled off track and can doubt our heart. Here's a reminder to always follow your heart with your horse.

A little disclaimer about safety: being a kind and compassionate leader does not mean allowing your horse to run over you. Being kind does not mean being a push over. Following your heart does not mean you let yourself get hurt. Good boundaries are essential to good horsemanship (as well as everything else in life!).

Here is your encouragement to keep on trying to understand your horse and lead them from a place of compassion. It might not have been something you were taught at first, but that doesn't mean it isn't authentic and powerful. Which is a great gift offered to us by horses. The ability to manage our internal state and our mindset in order to offer our best leadership. Kindness is strength. Show it to your horse. Show it to yourself.