Pony Camp Is a Big Hit!

June 19, 2009

The value of our kids being around, caring for and enjoying animals can not be understated. A strong argument could be made that the most popular guy on the Latham campus is Scout, our Corgi therapy dog. Scout has to be one of the most petted, walked, kissed and cared for trained dogs in the world. Animals have the incredible power to heal kids unlike anything else.

Latham Centers has teamed up with Angels on Horseback to conduct a six week Pony camp for our kids. Angels on Horseback is a stable located in Wellfleet run by Heather Morse. Heather is licensed in therapeutic riding and loves working with children. The kids will learn to lead and groom, with the ultimate goal of being able to ride the horses. Heather says, “Before I let anyone ride a horse, I have to be sure that the horse will listen to them from the ground.” Aside from the fun of being with these beautiful animals, we hope the kids improve their levels of confidence, leadership and self awareness.

In this first class, the girls groomed Serenity, wrote their names on her back, met Rosie the pig, the llamas and then got to lead the horses around the ring. We hope that this is the beginning of a regular partnership that meets the therapeutic needs of our students.