The Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch - Paper Example

Introduction

The Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch is located in the Central San Joaquin Valley and offers experience with horses. The ranch aims to promote therapeutic riding as a form of treatment for treatment for individuals who suffer from emotional, mental, and physical disorders (Hearts & Horse). The activities within the ranch are supervised and conducted by volunteer members and trained staff that provide beneficial experience through exercise, education, and responsibilities in the pleasure and care of horses and riding experience. The ranch is primarily dependent on donations from clients, members of the public and well-wishers (Hearts & Horse).

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I was part of the staff at the Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch, and I had a fair share of adventure when taking the horses out. The sidewalks with the horses were not smooth at first, and I had to be accompanied by other staff members. The sidewalks were enjoyable and relaxing, and I got the chance to know the horses better. I tried riding a horse, but it was hard to relax due to interrupted and successive refusal of the horse to jump obstacles along trails. All in all, the sidewalks and rides with the horses were enjoyable and harmonious as possible despite the issues of compliance during rides along the trails. Most horses had naturally long and thick tails, and I had a chance to brush their tails using my figures and brush. This helps to stimulate the roots of the hair that causes the tail to grow (Burgon 267). I adored watching the horse riding sessions with kids who visited the ranch. Although it seemed like the horses were doing all the work, it was fun for the kids and the most effective way to keep them more physically active and maintain their flexibility and muscle tone (Bracher 278). My other duty was to collect and remove manure in their stable and field. I did this in an old-fashioned manner using a rake and a bucket, which was quite labor intensive and quite effective. This helped to provide more grazing opportunities, reduce flies breeding habits, and reduce internal parasites contamination. I also operated as a water boy with the responsibility of filling the water tanks for the sweaty, dirty and thirsty horses. Each water tank holds about 80 liters and the pressure from the hosepipe was superb. Finally, grooming was a daily habit at the ranch, and it provided a good opportunity to check for irritations and injuries. A grooming mitt or a curry comb was primarily used to loosen and remove the dirt, dust, mud, and debris in the coat of the horses. This put a real shine on the coat of the horse, and one needs to be careful over the areas of the hips, legs and bony areas (Bracher 280). However, some horses had sensitive skin than others, and it was enjoyable to adjust the pressure on the brush.

The Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch continues to help the people of the Central Valley to discover their abilities and achieve new heights through therapeutic equestrian activities. The ranch provides services to the vulnerable and needy promote social change, express community values, and express community values (Hearts & Horse). The organization also offers beneficial experiences for clients through exercises and education in the riding experience and care for horses.

I worked side by side by best horsemen and horsewomen such as David. David was practically a horse lover and knew how to take care of the horses. He was a volunteer who guided me on how to work with horses, take the horses out to pasture, bathe horses, take care of horses and equipment and be a guide during the riding tours. One of the people I was able to help was a small boy who was born mute and deaf but loved horses. I helped him feed, ride and groom one of the horses. I loved his dedication to help and care for the animals. Although he is a bit shy, he has made new friends and become more outgoing through his mutual love of horses.

There was no better feeling than horseback riding in the ranch since it is a fantastic confidence booster and left most of the clientele feeling more accomplished. I also noticed how riding is the best therapy especially for people with both psychological and mental issues. According to Bracher, during a horse ride, the outside world slows and fades away (277), and this I helps one to reflect and find inner peace. Based on the reviews from our clients, riding changed their lives as a form of physical therapy particularly for riders who were disabled. I was so happy to be part of a team that helped people break from the outside world worries, and learn emotional and physical control techniques.

Interacting with the clients during horse riding also forced many out of their comfort zone in one way or another. Most people learned to work with saddled coats, trap, and flag while others seemed to improve their riding skills. Most clients stereotyped on the horses because they considered those that go slow to be a slow horse. However, after a few sessions, they came to look at the horses differently. I also found myself only seeing the best parts and attributes of each horse. Interacting with the clients also gave me an opportunity to communicate with different types of people. I have also realized that what I learned have significantly translated to other parts of my life. Just as riding is a journey, mistakes are inevitable, and whenever you feel you could have done better, you will end up doing something that will make you better and experience moments of success and prosperity (Burgon 270).

Works Cited

Burgon, Hannah. "Case Studies of Adults Receiving Horse-riding Therapy." Anthrozoos 16.3 (2003): 263-276.

Bracher, Maggie. "Therapeutic Horse Riding: What has this to do with Occupational Therapists?." British Journal of Occupational Therapy 63.6 (2000): 277-282.

Hearts & Horse. "The Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch." 20 November 2018.heartofthehorses.org/