Page 28 - Leisure Living Magazine: May 2020 Edition

The Therapy Horse
Continued from page 27
dren with autism.
“In 2008 we moved to Ohio,” continues Jan.
“Fire became a pasture buddy alongside his pal Katie, but it became evident that he needed a job. We knew it was again time to do what he enjoys and does best—working with those in need.” A connection through his boarding barn led Jan and her family to Hope Meadow Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides Equine As- sisted Psychotherapy. “After a visit and 3-month trial period, we knew that this was the perfect situation for Fire,” says Jan. “He now is fully im- mersed in serving individuals with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, trau- ma, PTSD, addictions/substance abuse, grief/ loss, ADD/ADHD as well as family programs and corporate team building.”
Michelle Togliatti, Executive Director of Hope Meadows Foundation, shares her own en- thusiasm for Fire’s work. “Fire plays a tremen- dously important role in the programming for Hope Meadows. We call him “the ambassador.” Because of his size and friendly nature, he is not intimidating to those who may have some fear of horses. We are currently working with him to go into schools for community outreach, and he will be the guest of honor at our upcoming Kentucky Derby Gala on September 5th.”
Fire has endeared himself to adults and chil- dren alike at Hope Meadows, but he has a natu- ral affinity for working with children. “Children LOVE him!” exclaims Michelle. “Last summer, Fire was the star of our Independence Home Days Parade. There were some children in the crowd who had recently attended our “Getting
Shannon rigorously worked with Fire instilling trust and confidence.
Back on Track” program, and they were so ex- cited to see him. They began shouting excitedly “Fire! Fire!” Parents in the crowd began getting nervous, but the kids yelled, “No, Fire...the horse! He’s here!!!!” and they gave him a big hug. It drew lots of attention and Fire was so happy to see his friends again!”
When asked how horses as therapy animals can positively affect the emotional and physical health of humans, Michelle explains, “Horses are natural healers. Keenly aware of emotional ener- gies, horses sense what we’re feeling, sometimes better than we do. Building trust with such a sensitive animal takes time, and that in itself can become a healing, empowering process. Our ev- ery interaction with a horse can teach us to be grounded, mindful and self-aware. Horses tell us when we get it wrong, and immediately reward us when we get it right. This is particularly useful for victims of trauma.”
Jan is clear about Fire’s purpose in life. “I defi- nitely feel that Fire is here to bring joy and hope.” How fortunate for him, and for his precious hu- man charges, that she and her family chose to develop and share his wonderful gifts. Big things really do come in small packages!
For more info on Hope Meadows Founda- tion: www.hopemeadowsoh.org.
HISTORIC PORT CLINTON LIGHHOUSE
VISIT & TOUR
Docent-led tours every Saturday noon-5pm Memorial Day to Labor Day
PC Lighthouse & Maritime Festival
Sat., August 15, 10:30am-5pm
Rock The Light Music Festival
September 11 & 12
Waterworks Park, 52 East Perry St portclintonlighthouse.org
PORT CLINTON, OHIO
28 |LeisureLiving May 2020
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