Autism Therapy Using Horses | Autism a Different Approach Using Horses

Horses Don't Judge
"Autism seen through the eyes of a Horse"

Judgment, we as humans sometime do it to each other without even realizing it. And to the person being judged it
hurts. Horses feel what is going on with humans. There main concern is to feel safe.

This true story I am about to tell you is about acceptance, patients and lots of loving kindness. It's about two
incredible humans and horses.

One morning as I was journaling I wrote of my desire to find a person, someone, to ride my horse, a good rider.
Only two days later a friend ask me if Grace could ride Nea (my horse) and that she was a good rider and had
been riding sense she was 10 and was now 20 years old. She also shared that Grace had Aspergers. We gave
it a try and Wow Grace and Nea where very happy and a great team. I was ecstatic!

I believe it was a month after meeting Grace that another friend referred a 5 year old boy named Billy and yes, he
has Autism maybe even Aspergers. My first thought was I worked with kids and autism in the school system but
never with horses. I wanted to give it a try.

Most of the work I do with behaviors is on the ground, not riding.
The first day with Billy was just that, grooming and watching the miniature horse. There was chaos and frustration
because of all the distractions going on all around us. Billy also had not verbally spoke to me. My evaluation of
the situation was Billy's behavior was good considering all the distractions but he had very little strength in his
hands. My goal was to work on haltering to help with the motor skills.

Then, two really great things happened! We where in the round pen watching the miniature horse roll and play.I
knelt down next to Billy and said, "How are you doing Billy?", and he turned and looked at me and put his hand on
my shoulder and said,"Nice Lady". Boy -o- boy, I will never forget that moment! Then as Billy and I where about to
finish , Grace was riding Nea and Billy's parent came up to Grace knowing she has Aspergers and asked Grace,
"What is it about horses that help you and that you like so much?" and she replies,
"Horses Don't Judge."

WOW, so I say Thank you God, and Thank you Horses. Sometimes it's the little things being said that make a
Huge impact.
I will continue to write more about Billy's progress, he is riding! Check out the video on the "How it works " page.
Grace is now helping me, help Billy with the riding lessons. Our goal is to have Billy riding Completely on his own!

NOTE: The names have been changed.

Horse Therapy 4 U

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Equine Assisted Counseling by Teri Renaud, C.A.T.C.

For more information call Teri at 714-499-3431.