|
As you all know, our horse works wonders. He serves you and saves you in the eventing world over fences ditches, and banks. He serves our riders with care and patience. He is patience in the barn as emotionally disturbed and learning impaired youngsters learn about sensitivity as they groom. He responds when they are too hard with their brushes with a swish of the tail and ears coming back. He teaches them to be gentle, thoughtful. He gives many of these youngsters who have never had the opportunity to do something for someone else, the joy of giving. When they get to the point of riding, he gives them opportunities to succeed which many have never had. He moves forward when his rider asks, with proper aids. All of this creates joy and success. For the physically disabled, no matter what the size or age, his movement strengthens muscles, improves balance, makes minds work again in a way that some haven't been able to for years. His movement causes muscles to relax and work. His walk is similar to a human walk and he can cause muscles to re-develop so they can be useful again. Our Windrush horses have had many lives before they came here. Some were jumpers, hunters, show horses or eventers, so their skills are put to use here in a gentle way. They are wonderful therapists here at Windrush.
- Marjorie Kittredge
|