Healing

         I have heard it three times now.  Medical professionals have assured me, "The horses will help you heal.

    I am facing surgery.

    I definitely will be in need of healing.

    Friendly Horse Acres exists to help heal, especially learning disabled folks.  The mission statement is: Horses and humans healing each other physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I have run the organization for over 30 years.  I have seen the healing work.

    The business started by accident.  My husband and I didn't know we were helping young people in the community until the local school representative notified us with a personal visit.  A counselor reported that we were making a difference in the lives of some troubled teens, especially those with high functioning autism and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  Originally, the school even paid us to work with a student.  The encouragement was incentive enough to take steps to become a non-profit.

    Over the years we have found equines can make a difference in lives.

    Children who have trouble focusing become quiet and less anxious as they learn how to please the horses.  Grooming the animals, especially, seems to make a difference.  This is apparent with children and young people who don't usually like to be touched.  They relish the opportunity to be with the horses, and to have physical contact.  Some of them enjoy riding, but not all.  When they do ride, these individuals often prefer to ride bareback.  The contact with an equine partner is important.  These riders don't want the interference of a saddle.

    For some young folks with physical disabilities, the opportunity to work with large animals is a confidence booster.  Although we are not equipped to work with wheelchair bound folks, we do work with some physical challenges, and these youngsters have become devoted fans of the horses.

    In today's challenging, contentious world, people who suffer from depression come to the horses to feel better.  Young people, especially, benefit.  The horses are a source of comfort.  I have regularly heard that our horse farm is a "happy place."  Touching a horse has been a way to lower blood pressure and remove depression.

    Children are not the only people who benefit from the horses.  I had a woman,who was coming to our town to attend AA meetings, become a regular visitor.  She asked to stop by on her way home to be with the horses.  Her favorite was our Exmoor stallion, Devon.  I would isolate him from his mares, and leave him with his human.  She stayed with him for at least an hour.  I don't know what they talked about, but both the pony and human were happy to be with each other.  When she left, she pointed out, "He does more for me than the meeting."  She spoke truth.  She remained drugs free until she passed away years later.  We always stayed in touch even when she left the state.

                                                                  Devon

I know there has been a great deal of literature about how horses can heal.  I certainly can't dispute it, but I do need to point out that horses do not always create a cure.

    I have had several children, and even adults, who do no react positively to the horses.  Some are indifferent, and some are frightened, even by the Miniature Horses, let alone a full-sized or a draft horse.

    I had at least one student who, as a very young child, seemed to react positively to the horses.  However, as she matured, she became increasingly agitated.  The horses did not calm her.  Eventually, she  became violent.  She kicked and punched the horses and pulled their tails when we lost control of her.  I had to put an end to her visits.  The animals' safety is my responsibility.  Horses do not heal everyone.

    I the past, when the insurance companies permitted us to make visits, we took animals to various venues where they could offer their presence to the public.  Did they pass along healing vibes?  I'm sure they did.  I do not think they consciously try to comfort humans.  They just do.

    I know they have been good for my health over the years.  People have pointed out that my numerical age by no means matches my activity age.  With as many as 21 equines to care for at any one time, I have to be very active.  Right now there are "only" seven horses and ponies in my care.  They require that I am out with them a minimum of three times a day, and usually more often than that.  Sure, I have help on occasion.  But, I don't have to worry about being inactive.  There are days, when the weather is blustery, I would sooner stay in the warm house.  I can't.  I have chosen to make my horses my responsibility.

    I get to pat them and reassure them that I care every day.  They know me.  They trust me.

    They keep me young.

    Except the years have rolled along, and my numerical numbers have finally caught up with me.  I may move like I am still in my 40s or 50s, but my body is wearing down.

    So, my health is not what it used to be.  My immune system is not as strong as in years past.

    I need an operation.  I will need help.  I am counting on the equines in my backyard to help me heal.  The medical professionals indicate that can happen.

    Horses are healers.