Legendary Lola is a Therapy Hearthrob

Legendary Lola is a Therapy Hearthrob

By Leslie VanSant

Ask a horse person and almost surely they’ll have a story about a chestnut mare in their lives. She was either the best horse or the worst. Athletic. Opinionated.

Lola is a chestnut mare, and a legend in the making. Not because she’s earned the most ribbons at the Upperville Colt and Horse Show or won the Virginia Gold Cup. It’s because she’s all heart and will undoubtedly win yours if ever you have the chance to see her in action.

Valerie Banks-Amster and Lola with a smitten admirer.

Lola makes a new friend at the Mountainside Montessori School fall festival.

Courtesy Photo

Lola, a miniature horse, is a certified therapy animal. She travels to her appointments with her human partner, Valerie Banks-Amster, in the back of a converted mini-van, munching hay from a net resting on the center console. She really likes it when the sun roof is open.

But Lola is most joyful when she’s working. And her job is helping people of all ages overcome anxiety and feel loved.

You don’t have to look far in Middleburg to find someone who will tell you how horses can provide emotional benefits. Horses were domesticated nearly 6,000 years ago. And it’s said the first horse-crazy human followed shortly thereafter.

The science behind equine assisted therapy is relatively modern, starting in the mid-20 th century. Horses are used in a range of activities to promote patients’ physical and mental health.

“If people are anxious, Lola helps them feel calm,” said Banks-Amster. “She can be very zen, and rest her head on a person’s lap. If they’re lonely, she’s a friend who listens and doesn’t judge. Part of what she brings to everyone is a little magic.”

Lola knows no bounds. She’s made friends at schools, hospitals and senior centers.

“She really reads her audience,” Banks-Amster said, describing how Lola uses many of her “tricks” to connect with people--whether it’s high jumping, crossing her legs, or shaking hands.

Special needs children might spend time petting and grooming Lola to work on motor skills. Or, walking her (with assistance) through a course of cones to improve balance. Sometimes she’s all ears, encouraging engagement and conversation from seniors who are struggling with speech.

“Interacting with Lola can really help combat loneliness,” Banks-Amster said.

Recently, Lola and her handler visited Grace Miller Elementary School in Bealeton to help students grieve for a beloved teacher who died.

Banks-Amster is a familiar face, and voice, at local horse shows where she is an announcer and manager. She grew up a little “horse crazy” herself, riding and showing. She also had volunteered with several therapeutic riding programs and took courses and trained with others. Finding an animal partner of her own became an idea that was realized when a friend connected her to Lola in 2018.

Therapy horses must go through intense training. Temperament, kindness and empathy are the key ingredients for success. Immediately, Banks-Amster saw something special in Lola and the two started training. They ultimately passed their evaluation and were certified.

“One of my main jobs as Lola’s partner, is to care for her and maintain her happiness while she is working,” explained Banks-Amster. “This means showing people how Lola likes to be touched. Helping her share her tricks. Keeping her and the humans around her safe.”

Last year, Banks-Amster teamed with Lori Bakewell and Jennifer Royall Anderson to produce a children’s book: I am Lola, and an album of songs performed by Banks Amster.

To learn more about Lola, visit www.horsetales.org.