Introduction to Horse Therapy
Horsepower means something different at Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center. For the kids enrolled in the programs there, it’s almost a superpower. Using horses as physical and emotional therapy for people who have autism, anxiety and even PTSD is not a new concept.
The Benefits of Horse Therapy
“She has some weakness on the right side of her body so it helps her maintain her posture, work on the strength of her legs,” said Flavia Alvarez as her autistic daughter, Carolina, rode on a horse, led around the corral by handlers. “It calms her down a lot. She looks forward to waking up to do this.” The benefits of horse therapy are numerous, and they extend beyond physical benefits to emotional and educational ones as well.
Manes and Tales Program
How about horses helping kids learn how to read? It’s what they do in the Manes and Tales program. We watched kids in first through third grades picking a card which had the name of a body part, and then taping that card on the corresponding part of a horse. Some of them have dyslexia, some have cognitive delays, and all of them love their four-hoofed companions.
“The horse helps them want to read, they’re motivated to come out and see their horse friends every week,” said Robin Bramson, the program director.
Success Stories
Quentisa Wright told us reading was a daunting task for her daughters before they joined Manes and Tales. “But when they’re with the horse, bringing out books is just so exciting for them, they love it, it helps them to remember the ABCs, little words, and it’s just been absolutely a pleasure to see them grow,” Wright said. The program has seen numerous success stories, with children showing significant improvement in their reading skills and confidence.
Program Activities
We watched another exercise in which the kids, accompanied by their mini horse, kick a ball and then pick up a card where the ball lands. They have to then read the word aloud and make a sentence with that word. In another activity, the children read an age-appropriate book aloud to a horse, without a room full of judgmental classmates. “Say the wrong word and the other kids in the classroom laugh at you, and then you’re like, I don’t want to read anymore because they’re gonna make fun of me,” Bramson said. “The horse is just there for moral support, right?”
Confidence Boost
The kids realize reading can be fun, and their confidence gets a huge boost. “When they’re going back to school,” Bramson said, “the teachers are seeing a difference, that they know more words, they recognize their sight words, they’re not afraid to try.” They’re not afraid anymore to take the reigns.
Program Availability
The Manes and Tales program is winding down for the summer, but it will start up again in September at the Kendall facility. It’s free of charge, thanks to a grant from the Children’s Trust.
Conclusion
The Manes and Tales program is a unique and effective way to help children improve their reading skills and confidence. With the help of horses, children are motivated to learn and have fun while doing it. The program has seen numerous success stories, and it continues to be a valuable resource for children in the community.
FAQs
Q: What is the Manes and Tales program?
A: The Manes and Tales program is a reading program that uses horses to help children improve their reading skills and confidence.
Q: What ages are eligible for the program?
A: The program is designed for children in first through third grades.
Q: Is the program free?
A: Yes, the program is free of charge, thanks to a grant from the Children’s Trust.
Q: When does the program start and end?
A: The program starts in September and winds down for the summer.
Q: Where is the program located?
A: The program is located at the Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center in Kendall.
