Equine Therapy for 20 Children with Special Needs

At the Horseshoe Hoedown, we celebrate the amazing journeys and accomplishments of our riders. Each participant brings their unique story, and we are proud to share the experiences of three incredible individuals who are a part of the Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida (EATSF) program.

Jamie and Fire
Jamie, 35, has Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, and has been riding with EATSF since she was 8 years old. Over the past 27 years, equine therapy has become an essential part of her life, as well as her dad Jim's. Jim describes the program as a "lifesaver," not only for Jamie but for their whole family. Jim says that Jamie’s face lights up when she mounts her horse and that he knows how much she enjoys coming here every Saturday morning.

Jamie’s connection to horses has helped her in many ways. Through her riding sessions, Jamie's balance has significantly improved, and she’s developed greater awareness of her surroundings. One of the most remarkable changes has been in her confidence. Riding has helped Jamie grow both physically and emotionally, and her time at EATSF remains a source of happiness and progress for her.

Danny and Hallory
Danny, 24, has Autism Spectrum Disorder and began riding at EATSF in 2015. Riding has made a profound impact on Danny's ability to focus and become more independent. His mom, Alexis, shares that the program has provided him with a strong sense of belonging and feels that EATSF is Danny’s second home and feels that Danny belongs here at the barn.

Danny has also found a sense of community through his lessons. He enjoys spending time with the other riders in his group and the volunteers who assist him each week. For Danny, the barn is not just a place to ride, but a space where he can grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Alexis sees how his weekly visits to EATSF are an essential part of his routine, helping him to build both independence and connection with others.

Gracen and Star
Gracen, 7, began riding with EATSF in March after participating in the Unmounted Horsemanship program. Gracen has Autism Spectrum Disorder, and her journey with horses has been transformative. For Gracen, the physical and cognitive benefits of equine therapy have been evident from the start. Gracen rode Star, a horse painted as a skeleton to illustrate the horse’s 3-dimensional movement, which mirrors the way humans move.

Gracen’s mom, Lindsay, has noticed significant improvements in Gracen’s balance and spatial awareness since joining the program. Gracen has become more accountable and patient at school, skills that are essential for her daily life. One of Lindsay’s favorite memories is watching Gracen give Star a bath because Gracen really enjoyed helping her best friend Star get clean.

These inspiring riders represent the heart of our program, and we are so proud of their progress and achievements. Their stories highlight the powerful impact of equine-assisted therapy, not only on physical abilities but also on confidence, social skills, and emotional growth.

Dear Friend,

We are grateful to partner with you as we work to share the power of horses with those who need it most.  With your help, Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida (EATSF) has been able to expand our reach within our community to groups, summer camps, and Girl Scout troops!   

These group opportunities allow us to offer educational and exposure opportunities to groups who would not get the chance to visit a barn in their own neighborhoods.

Last week, we had the privilege to host summer campers from the Boca Raton School for Autism who learned what a “day in the life” of a horse looks like.  From where a horse may spend the night, to what a horse eats, drinks, and how it scratches its back – it was the first time that many campers (and camp counselors!) had experienced touching a horse. Even the campers who had the most fear or sensory defensiveness got to experience the magic of horses.   Prior to visiting the barn, the campers and their counselors worked together to learn about horse breeds and develop questions for the EATSF team to ask during their visit.  One camper even asked, “does the horse drink out of there?” Pointing to a water trough, “I want to drink even more water than a horse!”

It's these community partnerships that help EATSF continue to make our impact and educate families about our mission and programs in a fun and safe environment with their peers – learning together. Thank you for continuing to believe in the power of horses.  From riding to horsemanship, and education – the magic of the barn knows no bounds.