Children and adults alike are very fortunate to have people like Dr. Kari Ann Owen of Wild Horse Therapeutic Riding Program in their corner.
Family Life Tips had the pleasure to catch-up with Dr. Owen for a candid interview about her therapeutic horse riding program and how it most recently has helped children suffering from various degrees of abuse, stress, depression, and social awkwardness.
FLT: Dr. Owen can you share with us some of your most recent news about the Wild Horse Program?
Dr. Owen: Oh. Yes, I can. Is it okay if I tell you a short story of sorts about one of our most recent clients? I think you will find her insights and the results she’s realized from the program very helpful and beneifical.
Wild Horse program Director Dr. Kari Ann Owen sat down with Mom T for a candid interview about the benefits she’s realized from children she has partaking in the Wild Horse Riding Program. We’ve provided the transcript of that interview below for your reading pleasure.
Wildhorse: Mom T. has been bringing these delightful children to Wildhorse for several months now. These brave children are winning their battles with the post-traumatic syndrome and social anxiety they’ve acquired, as a result of the unfulfilled roles of their original parents.
Wildhorse: Why did you choose our Wild Horse Riding Program?
Mom T: The kids always liked horses. I saw Wildhorse’s advertisement for open lesson times, and I decided to bring the kids to see what the program is like.
Wildhorse: How has the children’s participation in the program helped them in dealing with their trauma?
Mom T: They seem happier at the deepest core of their hearts and imagination. They’re taking direction well, and are willing to help each other. They show empathy and concern for human and animal participants and are always willing to learn new things.
Wildhorse: How is their behavior at home since they’ve been involved in the Wild Horse Program?
Mom T.: They are more relaxed and able to meet many situations with a new inner calm.
Note from Wildhorse: These brave children have progressed to winter trail riding up a hill and jumping over ground poles and small jumps. They’ve have made marvelous progress as human beings and equestrians in an astonishingly short time, counted in months.
