greatly from the simple yet powerful
experience of just being in the presence
of wild horses.
“It is not uncommon for individuals
on the autism spectrum to have been
subjected to a long history of bully-
ing and social rejection,” says Wise.
"Consequently, when our untrained
animals choose to freely approach and
interact with these students, the eff ect
can be profoundly empowering, and
the experience can enable them to be-
gin building some confi dence in their
relationship skills.”
For many participants, the att ention
from horses makes them realize they
are seen—something that can be a rare
feeling. A student who shared that she
had felt invisible all her life fi nally felt
noticed after spending time with the
wild horses. “My physical presence has a
voice,” she said.
Eye of a Horse also has 12 trained horses
that are utilized for activities like nature
walks, where participants lead horses
through trails within the preserve.
Communicating with and maintaining
control over their horses while travers-
ing the trails provides an opportunity
for students to practice skills like
multi-tasking, situational awareness,
and boundary sett ing.
“What [working with horses] enables
them to do is be successful socially—
some of them for the fi rst time,” says
Jodi Pierce, assistant program director
at the College Internship Program, an
organization that works with Eye of a
Horse to help young adults with learn-
ing diff erences lead independent lives.
“They are able to boost their self-es-
teem and confi dence levels, and then
they’re able to go out into the commu-
nity and practice the skills they learned
working with horses. They develop
successful relationships.”
Eye of a Horse may look a litt le
wilder than the traditional model of
equine-assisted therapy, but that’s the
entire point. It’s therapy disguised as
an adventure. Fall 2019 / 117Eye of a Horse off ers
equine-assisted learning and
equine-assisted psychotherapy
in a unique setting: a 4,700-
acre wildlife preserve in Central
Florida. They have off erings for
those with learning, emotional,
and behavioral disorders as
well as veteran, elderly, and
team building programs. Learn
more at eyeofahorse.com.This content is provided by
Hope in the Saddle, a program
dedicated to sharing some of
the most meaningful and im-
portant stories to emerge from
the equestrian world: stories
of how our relationships with
horses can help us overcome
life’s toughest challenges.
Read more stories of hope
and healing through horses at
hopeinthesaddle.com.Hope in the Saddle would
not be possible without the
support of Nutrena Horse Feed
and Tractor Supply Co. Thank
you for helping our horses feel
their best so they can help us
feel our best.TOP: The Crescent J Ranch’s cattle herd also provides unique therapeutic opportunities.
BOTTOM: A foal from the herd chooses to approach a student.
EYE OF A HORSE