A Season of Growth: Summer EAL Recap
This summer's equine-assisted learning program wrapped up with some of our biggest participant milestones yet. Here's a look at what our herd — and our kids — accomplished together.
Every summer, our barn becomes a classroom. This year, twelve children and teens participated in Faith Reins' equine-assisted learning sessions over eight weeks. Each session was different — and each one was exactly what someone needed.
One participant, a nine-year-old who had struggled to make eye contact in almost every setting, began holding eye contact with Banita Joe during grooming by the fourth week. By week seven, he was narrating what he was doing out loud — unprompted — while his therapist watched from a few steps back.
"The horse does something we can't," said Donna Horton, our EAL Coordinator. "She waits without judgment. She doesn't rush. Kids feel that."
Jesse and Jack both logged their highest number of session hours this summer. Cowboy, our steadiest team member, was the go-to partner for first-time participants who needed a little more time before approaching the fence.
We're grateful to every family who trusted us with your child this summer, and to our incredible clinical team who made each session thoughtful, safe, and meaningful. Registration for fall EAL opens in September. Contact us if you'd like to be notified when spots open.
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