by Kristyn Leon of Colorado’s Fox 21 News
“Horses are sensitive, majestic creatures, and seem to truly understand what the person truly needs.“
“It’s ‘Feel Good Sunday’ and time to take a break from the bad news (not even going to there) that rains down upon our American equines. Time to catch our breath, wipe our brow and embrace all those who diligently fight beside us to further the future welfare and safety of our horses, donkeys, burros and mules. I had planned to write a wrap-up of the past week’s events but think, instead, that I will take a dose of our own medicine and call it a wrap. Thanks to all of you for what you do to benefit our equines both domestic and wild…you are the voice of the voiceless and very precious, indeed! Be safe!” ~ R.T.
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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. — It’s more than just a horse ride for the community at the Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center. The therapeutic riding center is about fostering relationships, boosting confidence, and creating life-long friendships for patients and their horses.
For one Colorado Springs family, the center has truly impacted and touched their lives. Their son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism at an early age. Michael’s dad, who served in the army was also deployed to Afghanistan, and this triggered a lot of anger for Michael. He wasn’t talking and needed an outlet to channel his emotions.
That’s when his mom, Karen Fetters, discovered the Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center and what it offers to its patients. Michael began riding horses and working with therapists at the center to help him develop his cognitive and social skills. Everyday Michael was improving. He began to socialize with those around him, and through his friendship with his favorite horse, Michael changed for the better.
Deanna Shrewsbury, an equine assistance psychotherapist, pointed out the powerful human and horse interaction.
“When you’re in a relationship with a very large animal, it forces you to learn the importance of trust and how to problem solve verbally and creatively,” Shrewsbury said. “Horses are sensitive, majestic creatures, and seem to truly understand what the person truly needs. They just want you to enjoy the moment with them.”
Michael’s family said horse therapy has helped them cope through difficult times in their lives, such as Michael’s autism and his father’s deployment overseas. Michael’s dad was also recently diagnosed with mutiple-schlorosis.
Ultimately, through the support system offered from the horses and equine staff at the Colorado Springs Therapeutic Riding Center, Michael has learned coping mechanisms, developed healthy relationships, and benefited from this life-changing experience.
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Categories: Horse News, The Force of the Horse
Straight from the Horse's Heart 
Sure wish that the “bad guys,” could relate to this relationship!!
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Thanks R.T….this was really necessary this morning!
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That settles it then, everyone needs a horse or two and so we might as well get everyone ready since horse slaughter will soon be a tragic horror of the past… ❤
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Thanks RT. Heres another relationship that brought tears to my eyes this morning…
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oops = sorry didn’t know it would pop up so big.
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Forgot to mention that the horse is blind
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Gee while I was watching this I switched to YouTube where I could see the related videos…Look at this operation who uses a lot of mustangs fresh off the range…http://youtu.be/QIbZC_7YBl8
Smiling through tears…
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Thanks RT.
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Thank you R.T. and thank you vickysecho – some of us needed this double dose of GOOD horse vibes this morning.
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Also smiling through the tears , Through trust and Love, bond the blind do see !!!! Thank You RT , there are tons of stories just like this one, only the names were different , if ones heart cannot take wings on this one and see, one is truly Blind !!!! HORSES MATTER !!!!!!
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This was so heartwarming, horses and riders do form a bond and they do have feeling even tho the horse eaters say they don’t. I will be so glad when the slaughter issue is ended for our dear friends companions and buddies and that we were their voices and they can live their lives that they deserve just like people do. My neighbor across the street her horse is frisky when she gets on him but when she puts kids on him he is so gentle and quiet. Horses are so special.
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There is not enough of this all over the country. Psychology was once the most popular degree. Physical therapy is huge. But this needs more knowledgeable professionals to seek the funds and develop the physical aids and the emotional structure these programs will need. Along with the technicians on the ground who must be trained and certified. This could be expanded and successful for many who have not yet found a program for their needs. And there are many who need this and the programs are not there. I know.
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Well this from last Sunday. I drove about an hour from my homeland learned about birds, cats and horses.
The raptors were interesting. I liked the great gray owl but I also liked the bald eagle.
The nice lady who was driving had this cat that showed up in her backyard one day. The kitty came over to me, sniffed my hand and then my shoe. I’ve always described myself as not so crazy about cats person. Later after coming back to the house the kitty not only jumped up onto the couch I was sitting on but actually jumped into my lap! I was stunned! I have to rethink this cat issue thing. I’m allowed a cat at my new home–just not sure I’m quite ready yet. I’m still settling in and have a bit more unpacking to do.
The visit with the horses was fabulous! I got to meet a therapy horse who took to licking my hand! He seemed very gentle. Like he was looking for a friends just as I was. Not to go riding. But one to just be friends with. Love on each other.
We had a lead mare in the pen so she was in bossy mode. Others distracted her while I loved off and pointed to this horse where we could meet up. All I had to do was point and he got it! He even followed me to where the ground was more even–less a tripping hazard for me. Again he happily followed me!
When we left half the horses took to bickering at me. I started my nicker back. And we all nickered to each other for several minutes! We had a blast!
I don’t ride anymore. Not because I’m afraid of horses. Rather I’m afraid of falling. I don’t bounce so well. So I don’t know what you would technically call it–hippotherapy, some kind other therapy, or pasture buddies. Whatever it is I hope someday to be able to afford a horse, boarding and all to have that. It was a lot of fun.
And I don’t mind picking up after a horse. I might be slower than some but that’s just me. Grooming?–that’s part of the deal! So that was my Sunday last week.
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Dear Margaret, Your Sunday was a wonderful one, nothing finer then to be with the Horses !!!!!! Those who cannot find beauty with them I feel sorry for, they will never know ……………
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Reblogged this on Donkey Whisperer Farm Blog.
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Its so good to hear something NICE. And Margaret – your day sounds like heaven. So miss being around horses (mine especially) the smell – the feel – everything.. do have a dog so have someone to walk with & love on. My son has a cat – (HIS cat) Isnt it great what animals do for everyone? How could we survive without them? Boggles the mind how empty life would be.
Happy feel good sunday..
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That’s why I do this work.
Rob Pliskin
The Chrysalis Adventure
http://www.thechrysalisadventure.com
Chardon Ohio USA
Dune Lakes Lodge
http://www.dunelakeslodge.co.nz
near Helensville, NZ
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Dear Rob, I live in Bedford Ohio didnt know about you here ?????>> You are right here not to far away !!!!!
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Rob, The Chrysalis Adventure is a perfect name. I love the description of each of the beautiful horses and ponies. Maybe Arlene can drop by for a visit!
This truly is a feel-good Sunday blog — and it even works on Monday for me!
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Dear BlessUsAll I would love to stop by The Crysalis, love the name also……………
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Its great to read all the stories. There are so many of them. Although I am totally opposed to the rounding up of our Wild Horses, I rented a video yesterday called Wild horses-Wild Ride. It was the story of 100 captured Mustangs and the individuals who trained in that Mustang Challege. Not all were trainers but people had the love and decided to give them a chance. It was sad to see them bond with the people because they were auctioned off in the end. Two of the people did bid on their horses and won. They had 100 days with their horses and then had a competition among them. It did show the inhumane roundup with the helicopters and their lives after they left the range. I felt bad for them, but also saw how wonderful and smart they were. If you have a chance try and see the video. I felt that they were given a second chance at life besides living in the Mustang communs. The people and the horses bonded so well that it was hard in the end for them to give up their horses. It was very touching. They were all beautiful and magnificient. It is for certain that those that treat them inhumanely and slaughter them will go to hell. What ever that be..How can you look into their eyes and not totally look into their hearts. To all my Horse Warriors, please have a wonderful Sunday.
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Dear Gail, will be watching this movie tonite !!!!!
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If you look at these Mustang Challenges & see what these people (not all professional trainers) have accomplished with these horses – they can do ANYTHING any other horse can do – as well if not better. All they need is a chance. And it sure is better than standing in a long term holding pen for the rest of their lives(if they are lucky) & slaughter (if they arent). They deserve so much more.
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Thank you horses are the most incredible animals I know and so fun to work with. If they have a disability we as a team make it into a possibility. What a great story. Blindness is in the eye of the beholder. We can see this on the video. Awesome and I have tears from this feel good story too. wow. Great pair and bonding is real.
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