Sacred Heart Rescue
| HELPING HORSES HELP CHILDREN |
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| © Copyright 2008, Sacred Heart Rescue, Inc. , All rights reserved. |
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Sacred Heart Horse Rescue of Middle Tennessee specializes in the use of rescued horses in an Equine Facilitated
Learning program for children who suffer from chronic and/or life-threatening illnesses, children with emotional and
mental challenges, and special "at-risk" children.
The rescued horses are rehabilitated and used in a program to help the children gain a special sense of self-esteem,
accomplishment, empowerment, and an overall feeling of joy and satisfaction. These are invaluable benefits to
children who are faced with a chronic and/or life threatening illness. Other benefits may include improved
communication skills, improved motor skills, as well as a sense of being respected and having a better respect for
others. All of these benefits may be achieved through the child's interaction with a horse!
Equine Facilitated Learning is also sometimes referred to as Equine Assisted Growth and/or Learning. The children
are actually learning important life skills and how to overcome challenges to accomplish the tasks put before them in
the program. The horse is the facilitator in this process.
Learning program for children who suffer from chronic and/or life-threatening illnesses, children with emotional and
mental challenges, and special "at-risk" children.
The rescued horses are rehabilitated and used in a program to help the children gain a special sense of self-esteem,
accomplishment, empowerment, and an overall feeling of joy and satisfaction. These are invaluable benefits to
children who are faced with a chronic and/or life threatening illness. Other benefits may include improved
communication skills, improved motor skills, as well as a sense of being respected and having a better respect for
others. All of these benefits may be achieved through the child's interaction with a horse!
Equine Facilitated Learning is also sometimes referred to as Equine Assisted Growth and/or Learning. The children
are actually learning important life skills and how to overcome challenges to accomplish the tasks put before them in
the program. The horse is the facilitator in this process.
About our Children...
Our children are your children. They are wonderful children that suffer from a chronic or life-threatening illness, an
emotional or mental disorder, or special "at-risk" children. These children really enjoy spending time on the ranch
with the rescued horses (and the dogs). Some of them love to ride, some love to groom the horses, some like to help
at feeding time, some like to dish out treats, some just like to love on them and let them know we care, but they all
deserve the benefits that Equine Facilitated Learning can provide.
During a session, the children are asked to perform certain tasks with the horse in an effort to build communication
skills, develop a bond with the horse, gain respect from the horse, and learn to respect the horse as well. As tasks
are accomplished, the children may also gain self respect, confidence, self-esteem, improved motor skills, and
improved communication skills. You may read more about Equine Facilitated Learning below.
emotional or mental disorder, or special "at-risk" children. These children really enjoy spending time on the ranch
with the rescued horses (and the dogs). Some of them love to ride, some love to groom the horses, some like to help
at feeding time, some like to dish out treats, some just like to love on them and let them know we care, but they all
deserve the benefits that Equine Facilitated Learning can provide.
During a session, the children are asked to perform certain tasks with the horse in an effort to build communication
skills, develop a bond with the horse, gain respect from the horse, and learn to respect the horse as well. As tasks
are accomplished, the children may also gain self respect, confidence, self-esteem, improved motor skills, and
improved communication skills. You may read more about Equine Facilitated Learning below.
About Sacred Heart Rescue
How Equine Facilitated Learning Works
Equine Facilitated Learning, also known as Equine Assisted Growth and/or Learning all work with the same concept in
mind. Some may involve riding where others only involve groundwork with a horse and some may involve a
combination of the two. Regardless, the basic concept is the same.
The benefits of the human/animal connection have been recognized for many years now. In fact, many nursing
homes now offer Animal Assisted Therapy with dogs. All kinds of hospitals are also using Animal Assisted Therapy for
patients whether young or old. The interaction with the dogs has been proven to benefit the spirits and overall well
being of the residents and patients. Some of the benefits may include the following:
website at http://www.deltasociety.org/AnimalsAAAAbout.htm#benefits
Children have to learn how to get the horse to do what they want with appropriate requests or "communication". This
type of learning centers around the Natural Horsemanship philosophy. Children are taught how to gain a horse's
respect with their communication skills, not by being overbearing and intrusive. These skills are also very useful in the
interaction with other people in everyday life.
Our program is very flexible to meet the individual needs of each child. We will happily work under the direction of the
child's medical/mental health professional, counselor, or social worker in order to understand the child's special area
of concern and establish goals for our sessions. We would discuss different options available that may be beneficial
to the child. Once the type of session that would most benefit the child is determined, the horse professional would
work side by side with the child to accomplish the goals set out for the session.
Depending on the child, the initial session may only be to have the child meet the horse, get acquainted and learn the
safety rules of the ranch. From there, the child is shown how to do certain basic tasks such as leading the horse and
stopping the horse. They will learn how to teach the horse to respect their boundaries and they will learn how to
respect the horse's boundaries. They will progress to asking the horse to back up or walk over an obstacle or a
series of obstacles. Then they may ask the horse to walk or trot circles around them, then to circle over small jumps.
These basic tasks are all done with the encouragement and supervision of the horse professional right beside the
child at all times.
Children are not required to ride the horse at all in order for this type of session to be successful. Most children are
ecstatic just to be able to accomplish these seemingly simple things with such a large animal and to experience that
magical horse/human connection. It is also easier on the parent, who is no doubt nervously standing by!
Of course, there is always that reward, of a job well done, with a trip or two around the pen being led by the horse
professional. Some children may graduate to a trip or two around by themselves. It is all up to each individual child's
progress and needs. However, any person, adult or child, should always have groundwork tasks down with a horse
before ever getting on their back! This not only instills confidence in the child but it also instills confidence in the
horse. A horse has to be confident with his rider. They have to view the rider as their leader and trust them not to
ride (or lead) them into danger. They are herd animals and we must always prove to be a good leader for them. Yet
another invaluable life lesson for the children, how to be great leaders!
mind. Some may involve riding where others only involve groundwork with a horse and some may involve a
combination of the two. Regardless, the basic concept is the same.
The benefits of the human/animal connection have been recognized for many years now. In fact, many nursing
homes now offer Animal Assisted Therapy with dogs. All kinds of hospitals are also using Animal Assisted Therapy for
patients whether young or old. The interaction with the dogs has been proven to benefit the spirits and overall well
being of the residents and patients. Some of the benefits may include the following:
- Empathy - Identifying with and understanding the feelings and motives of another
- Outward focus - Bring one out of oneself (especially useful with children with emotional and mental challenges
such as autism) - Nurturing - Promoting the emotional and physical well being of another
- Rapport - Developing a relationship of mutual trust or developing a bond or a connection with another
- Acceptance - Having a favorable reception or approval
- Entertainment - For the young and old! Children love the interaction with the animals and it doesn't feel like
"therapy" or going to the doctor. It is something they will enjoy going to do. - Socialization - Seeking out or enjoying the company of others
- Mental Stimulation - Due to an increase in communication with others that is both welcomed and enjoyed
- Physical Contact and Touch - Providing stimulation with a positive and appropriate physical contact
- Physiological Benefits - Positive affects on the basic functioning of the body
- And so many more, such as improved self esteem, motor skills, confidence, etc.
website at http://www.deltasociety.org/AnimalsAAAAbout.htm#benefits
Children have to learn how to get the horse to do what they want with appropriate requests or "communication". This
type of learning centers around the Natural Horsemanship philosophy. Children are taught how to gain a horse's
respect with their communication skills, not by being overbearing and intrusive. These skills are also very useful in the
interaction with other people in everyday life.
Our program is very flexible to meet the individual needs of each child. We will happily work under the direction of the
child's medical/mental health professional, counselor, or social worker in order to understand the child's special area
of concern and establish goals for our sessions. We would discuss different options available that may be beneficial
to the child. Once the type of session that would most benefit the child is determined, the horse professional would
work side by side with the child to accomplish the goals set out for the session.
Depending on the child, the initial session may only be to have the child meet the horse, get acquainted and learn the
safety rules of the ranch. From there, the child is shown how to do certain basic tasks such as leading the horse and
stopping the horse. They will learn how to teach the horse to respect their boundaries and they will learn how to
respect the horse's boundaries. They will progress to asking the horse to back up or walk over an obstacle or a
series of obstacles. Then they may ask the horse to walk or trot circles around them, then to circle over small jumps.
These basic tasks are all done with the encouragement and supervision of the horse professional right beside the
child at all times.
Children are not required to ride the horse at all in order for this type of session to be successful. Most children are
ecstatic just to be able to accomplish these seemingly simple things with such a large animal and to experience that
magical horse/human connection. It is also easier on the parent, who is no doubt nervously standing by!
Of course, there is always that reward, of a job well done, with a trip or two around the pen being led by the horse
professional. Some children may graduate to a trip or two around by themselves. It is all up to each individual child's
progress and needs. However, any person, adult or child, should always have groundwork tasks down with a horse
before ever getting on their back! This not only instills confidence in the child but it also instills confidence in the
horse. A horse has to be confident with his rider. They have to view the rider as their leader and trust them not to
ride (or lead) them into danger. They are herd animals and we must always prove to be a good leader for them. Yet
another invaluable life lesson for the children, how to be great leaders!
About our Horse Professional...
Well, I guess that would be me, Shari Herring, our Founder, and Director. First I would like to thank you for taking
the time to learn about our services and Equine Facilitated Learning.
I have been riding horses since I was 5 years old. Growing up in Florida, I was a member of the FQHA (Florida
Quarter Horse Association), AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and the AJQHA (American Junior Quarter
Horse Association). I have an extensive background showing quarter horses as a youth. My achievements included
All Around Youth for the State of Florida, All Around Youth at the AJQHA Youth Congress in Waco, Texas, Qualifying
for and participating in the AJQHA World Championship Show in Tulsa Oklahoma three consecutive years in row and
placing 9th in Working Hunter. I received AJQHA Superiors in the following: Showmanship at Halter, Western
Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, English Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Trail. Received AQHA Superiors in
the following: Western Pleasure, Hunt Seat Pleasure, and Trail. Received AQHA Register of Merits in Working
Hunter, Western Riding, and Reining, as well as numerous FQHA annual Championships, Reserve Championships,
and All Around Youth Championships.
After starting a family, I gave up riding for many years, but now that my son is off at college and my daughter will be
following next year, I have taken up riding horses once again. I have always loved working with children and seem to
always bond with them very easily. I am always the one at neighborhood events playing with the children. So here I
am, hoping to have one of the most rewarding times of my life working with both horses and children!
I have become very interested in Natural Horsemanship and the horse/human connection and I welcome any input
that you may have. If you have any comments about this site or questions, please do not hesitate to email me at
shari@sacredheartrescue.com
Thanks for your interest.
the time to learn about our services and Equine Facilitated Learning.
I have been riding horses since I was 5 years old. Growing up in Florida, I was a member of the FQHA (Florida
Quarter Horse Association), AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and the AJQHA (American Junior Quarter
Horse Association). I have an extensive background showing quarter horses as a youth. My achievements included
All Around Youth for the State of Florida, All Around Youth at the AJQHA Youth Congress in Waco, Texas, Qualifying
for and participating in the AJQHA World Championship Show in Tulsa Oklahoma three consecutive years in row and
placing 9th in Working Hunter. I received AJQHA Superiors in the following: Showmanship at Halter, Western
Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, English Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Trail. Received AQHA Superiors in
the following: Western Pleasure, Hunt Seat Pleasure, and Trail. Received AQHA Register of Merits in Working
Hunter, Western Riding, and Reining, as well as numerous FQHA annual Championships, Reserve Championships,
and All Around Youth Championships.
After starting a family, I gave up riding for many years, but now that my son is off at college and my daughter will be
following next year, I have taken up riding horses once again. I have always loved working with children and seem to
always bond with them very easily. I am always the one at neighborhood events playing with the children. So here I
am, hoping to have one of the most rewarding times of my life working with both horses and children!
I have become very interested in Natural Horsemanship and the horse/human connection and I welcome any input
that you may have. If you have any comments about this site or questions, please do not hesitate to email me at
shari@sacredheartrescue.com
Thanks for your interest.
