I think it's going to be terrific for the vets, really empowering - no one is an invalid when they are on a horse, they are a Centaur or whatever that creature was in Greek mythology.
What I saw with those children was magic. Kids who were basically blobs started vocalizing and smiling. One child with terrible cerebral palsy reaching up her thin fingers to feel an old pony's nose, I'm telling you I can choke up now thinking about it, and it was 25 years ago. And the horses - I am NOT a horse enthusiast, though we have 3, think they have really limited range, but they seemed to really rise to the task.

 Quote: anne jones

Some of the difficulty with being able to work with adults, is that they usually need larger horses to accomidate an adults weight, as it is dead weight on the horses back. Most of the horses in these programs are older horses & they cannot handle the adult weight. The one program with the adults had a couple of warmbloods & draft x horses that were able to carry the adults. What a great program for the vets.

Adults definitely can be more challenging, however we have been preparing for the Wounded Warrior program and have two drafts and a 17 hh Tennessee Walker, as well as a few other which should be appropriate - depending on the size of the veteran and their disability.

One piece of the puzzle which had to fall into place was a lift system which is capable of lifting an adult out of a wheel chair and onto the back of a horse. The lift system at Dream Catchers is a result of a grant through the Dana and Christopher Reeves Foundation.

The oldest horse in our herd is 26 - Blackie. He is one of DC's "foundation" horses and is phenominal. He might get grumpy with his horse leader or groomer, but when you bring up his student in a wheel chair - he always - ALWAYS - puts his head in the child's lap for a "hug". The youngest is Nobie - the Haflinger my husband and I donated in memory of our son. Nobie just turned 8 and is a sweet, sweet guy, not to mention just too darn cute to look at, if I do say so myself.

We are all very excited about serving our vets! I'll post pics on the 18th! Thanks for letting me share this great news, and talk a bit about what a great program Dream Catchers is!

Sounds like you are well-prepared to help the vets out. That is great that they will have the opportunity for this type of therapy.

What a wonderful gesture from you & your hubby to donate a horse to this incredable program. Thank you, on behalf of all those that are able to participate & benefit from your contribution.

 Quote: Anne Jones

Sounds like you are well-prepared to help the vets out. That is great that they will have the opportunity for this type of therapy.

What a wonderful gesture from you & your hubby to donate a horse to this incredable program. Thank you, on behalf of all those that are able to participate & benefit from your contribution.

Thanks Anne... I think donating Nobie has helped me at least ALMOST as much as it has all the sweet kids who continue to improve on his broad, golden back.

Barbara, wow what a truly wonderful thing you are doing!
I have a friend who has a downs syndrome child and he has been doing rides like this for a while now with a great deal of success.
Seeing first hand how the kids really benefit from this kind of thing truly is remarkable. I know how important these programs are for the families who do them, I am sure you know.
I just wanted to say 'Great job and continued success with what you are doing! I admire you tremendously!