The Beginning

I first came to Equine Assisted Therapy because I missed being around horses. I had ridden before, and when my family moved farther away from the barn, riding gradually became less practical. EAT gave me a way to reconnect with horses while supporting children with disabilities.

Learning to Listen

During one of my first sessions as a sidewalker, I worked with a young rider who had difficulty communicating verbally. As we walked, I noticed that she kept trying to express something. I wasn’t sure whether speaking up would be overstepping, but eventually I suggested that she might want the opportunity to guide the horse more independently.

When she was given that opportunity, she guided the horse through the course successfully.

More Than Riding

That experience changed the way I understood service. Supporting someone does not always mean stepping in or doing more for them. Sometimes, it means paying closer attention, trusting what they are communicating, and giving them the space to show what they are capable of doing on their own.

“Service begins with listening, advocating when needed, and believing in someone.”