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| I Saw a Child
I saw a child who couldn't walk, Sit on a horse, laugh and talk. Then ride it through a field of daisies, And yet he couldn't walk unaided. I saw a child, no legs below, Sit on a horse, and make it go Bounding through the woods of green, And places he had never been When all he could do was sit and stare from the confines of his chair. I saw a child who could only crawl Mount a horse and sit up tall, Put it through degrees of paces, And laugh in wonder at our faces. I saw a child born into strife, Take up and hold the reins of life, And that same child was heard to say, "Thank God for showing me the way!" ---John Anthony Davies |
| Testimonies and Other Stuff |
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| From Exasperated to EXHILARATED... Several months before learned about Horses for Hope I was at the end of my rope trying to augment my child's learning process. She was far behind in her kindergarten grade level performance and beginning to become discouraged herself. I knew that if she lost motivation the battle would be over. After months of pursuing various avenues for help, I one day received a brochure in my mailbox with information for Horses for Hope. My daughter, Rachel, breathed horses!! I remember the brochure stating that the organization was for people with physical, emotional or behavioral needs. I began to see a flicker of hope. With my heart pounding I called the number and reached Dawn. A very simple idea with amazing results was put into place. Dawn had Rachel come to the barn and read to a miniature horse. The horse's name was Clay and his hair matched Rachel's hair - instant bonding material for her. We gave Rachel the job of reading to Clay so that "he can get used to hearing voices and not be afraid of people when he helps them". At first, Rachel just wanted to brush Clay, but eventually she took her job seriously and became proud in selecting books throughout the week to take to the barn for Clay. About 4 out of 7 mornings she would wake up and ask "Is it Thursday yet?", Thursday was Clay-day. Rachel is now in the 1st grade and though we do not have much time during the school year to go to the barn, she still feels a belonging there. This very shy little girl who has difficulty making eye contact will actually hold her head high and talk to people about her job with the horses. Most importantly, we have a meeting with school personnel this week to discuss whether or not Rachel still needs resource classes or is ready to return to the classroom for grade level work at all times! Wren January 24, 2006 |