Schools benefit from Little Hooves and Big Hearts

 

Sue Robisch

It was a cool and windy, but sunny day in March when five children from Mt. Vista School in Oracle came to the home of Little Hooves and Big Hearts. These children would spend the morning with our miniature horses because they are children with special needs and LHBH is all about equine-guided therapy for these children. To say they were excited is an understatement because this was not their first visit.

They had been here before and knew how much fun they would have. The fun begins when they first choose a horse. There is a bonding between the child and the horse that is just one of the amazing things that happens at LHBH.

So, exhibiting the calm discipline that executive director Tammy Mockbee has taught them in previous visits, they each approached his/her chosen mini. For the next two hours they participated in activities that improve their physical, behavioral and emotional well-being. Each activity represents a form of equine therapy that targets one or more specific behavioral objectives. The parents and teachers of the children report that they have observed growth in self-confidence and increased ability to cope with life situations since being involved in the program at LHBH. Often a child introduced to the program through his/her school returns for one-on-one sessions. LHBH is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization and all therapy sessions are offered at no charge for children with special needs. We are currently working with three area school districts: Marana, Oracle and Amphi. A total of 94 kids are receiving group therapy sessions.

For more information visit our website www.littlehooves.org or call our Oracle office at 520-896-2820.