Thanks to a generous grant from the Kelly for Kids Foundation and the Lake Shore Savings Foundation, 25 children in KidPeace’s New York Foster Care and Community Programs experienced the healing power of equine therapy at Peaceful Pastures Equine Mental Health in Lockport, New York.
The children, ranging in ages from 7 to 20 and all with histories of trauma, learned far more than how to care for a horse. Through grooming, breathing exercises, and building trust with their assigned gentle giants, they developed emotional insight, communication skills, self-esteem, and a deeper sense of mindfulness.
Each session built upon the last – starting with learning safety in the stalls and ending with an art therapy project, in which each child created a framed photo keepsake of their time with their horse.
Some of the older children were even invited to continue their journey through a hands-on internship, learning what it takes to run a horse farm – an opportunity made possible by the program’s success.
“Having KidsPeace in our barn taught us that these kids would stay in our hearts,” says Vanessa Patterson-Bancroft, Co-owner of Peaceful Pastures Equine Mental Health. “Our experience with KidsPeace has inspired me to keep dreaming and thinking of more ways to help people heal in our barn.”
We are deeply grateful to the Kelly for Kids Foundation and the Lake Shore Savings Foundation for making this unforgettable and transformative experience a reality for the children we serve. To learn more about how you can support the children we serve, please reach out to give@kidspeace.org.
