Equine Therapy for 20 Children with Special Needs

Dear Friend,

Your generosity has helped provide scholarships for 49 children and adults with special needs, so that they may participate in our therapeutic riding program and other equine assisted services.

Our barn is a welcoming place for individuals of all ages and abilities. Cassidy paints the perfect picture when she says, “the barn is my happy place.” Our 10-week Winter session is in its third week with 65 children and adults with a wide variety of disabilities enjoying the benefits of equine-assisted services.  

I want to share with you one story of how your generosity is helping an individual with special needs here at Equine-Assisted Therapies of South Florida.

Danny is a 20-year-old man with Autism Spectrum Disorder who has been riding with EATSF for 6 years. Danny has communication challenges in social situations yet recently progressed to a semi-independent riding class. He rides his horse unassisted for much of the class and now asks to work with fellow classmates to prepare the arena for the day’s lesson. Now, he leads his teammates during team exercises using sign language. He works in the arena with teammates to keep their horses in sync as they progress through the course. Danny is now able to express to his instructor how his horse performs during the exercises and what he did, as a rider, in response. Danny recognizes this personal milestone and leaves the arena so proud!

We thank you for your support of individuals like Danny. You have helped to pave the Path to Independence for someone in need and have made a difference in their life. We ask you to consider making another gift as we come to the close of the year that will help our participants experience life without limits throughout the coming year.

With deep appreciation,

David

Links:

• Follow Us on Facebook
• Visit Our Website
• Follow us on Instagram

Dear Friend,

Your generosity has helped provide scholarships for children and adults with special needs, so that they may participate in our therapeutic riding program and other equine assisted services.

Visiting the barn can provide a sense of belonging for individuals of all ages and abilities. An adult participant stated that her lesson and visit with her volunteer team is the highlight of her week. A father admits, “watching my son successfully work with such a beautiful horse is breathtaking.” Your gift helps EATSF keep these meaningful, life-changing services affordable and accessible. With our 10-week Fall session just beginning, 49 children and adults with a wide variety of disabilities will depend on a financial hardship scholarship to take part in the program.

While our participants build bonds with our horses and volunteers – family members and guardians experience a moment of respite during a lesson. Typical interventions for a person with a disability involves meeting in a clinic or hospital. EATSF challenges the status quo by removing the office and bringing participants outdoors and partnering with horses and volunteers. It is this synergy that goes a long way toward meeting individual goals where participants improve their balance and coordination, gain strength, build self-confidence, and develop their communication and social skills.

We thank you for your support of our mission and I invite you to come out and see our mission in action when you are in our neighborhood. It would be our pleasure to show you around our campus and share with you our latest achievements.

Thank you again for helping to pave the Path to Independence, and we ask you to consider making another gift that will help our participants live life without limits throughout the coming year.

With deep appreciation,

David Plath

Development Director

Links:

• EATSF Website
• EATSF on Facebook
• EATSF on Instagram

• Read More on How Equine Activities Help (PDF)