The Healing Power of Horses
- from Avie Rosacci Williams

As many of you know, I am a passionate horse woman. After a stressful day, rather than reach for a glass of wine, I put on my jeans and boots and simply stand in the pasture with my great gentle beasts. I can’t exactly put a finger on why they comfort and calm me, but they do! I literally just stand there with them or sit on the fence and pet their enormous heads and the stress melts away. My husband thinks I’m a little strange, but it’s my time to become centered again.

The bond with my horses is stronger than with the rest of our animals. We have dogs, cats and chickens as well. At last count, we had a total of 17 pets on our little spread in Elizabeth. The only thing different about my horses which separates them from the other animals is that we accomplish so much together. We are a team - whether we  gain speed in our barrel racing (see picture on left with my barrel horse, Champ) or simply cross a scary bridge on a trail ride. On their own, they would never cross a bridge, cross a stream or run a barrel pattern as fast as they can. But when I gently guide them, they trust me with their 1200 lb. bodies and do as I ask. The bond is tremendous!

My passion for horses has brought me to Praying Hands Ranch. Praying Hands Ranch is a 501c3 non profit organization that was founded in 1987 by Carl and Shirley Hanson, in Parker, Colorado after their son was diagnosed with autism. Unable to find the help they needed for their son, John (using traditional medicine) they decided to seek out alternatives.  Their prayers were answered with horse therapy (hippotherapy).

Here is how hippotherapy works: For a child or an adult with a physical, developmental or emotional challenge, life looks a great deal brighter on horseback. It is medically proven that the power, warmth, and movement of a horse strengthens and tones muscles, improves balance, head control, and coordination. Plus, it builds self-esteem and offers a sense of freedom. The feeling of achievement and control that comes from riding and maneuvering a horse is a strong medicine.

I volunteer when I can and have seen it for myself. Brave children without the ability to walk are lifted up and placed on a horse by committed volunteers of all ages. I have watched these kids absolutely light up. They work hard to play a series of games on horseback not even realizing the muscles and confidence they are building while grinning from ear to ear.

The horses simply ask for love, food, care and shelter in return, which is very expensive. Considering I own three horses, believe me I know. Praying Hands Ranch cares for 20 horses - ages 2 - 31 years old. Traveler is the oldest horse. He still carries small children daily through their games. The ranch supports 110 riding sessions per week for both children and adults. 34% of the donations come from the families of the disabled themselves, since this type of therapy is not recognized by insurance companies. But this doesn’t stop the Hanson’s and their volunteers. They work hard through fundraising to keep the necessary money coming in so they can do this work they are so passionate about.

Our annual Pedals & Hoofs Ride is September 22, 2007 at Chatfield Reservoir. Bring your friends, kids and bikes or horses for a great day full of exercise, community, food and entertainment! Tony Rosacci’s Fine Catering will be sponsoring the lunch. Download the sign-up sheet now.