Angels With Hooves
An autistic child’s first words are “walk on”, a woman with cerebral palsy is able to regain use of her muscles, yes miracles still happen, often on the back of a horse. I’m Susan Allen stay tuned for Open Range. Think horses are a luxury? 42,000 children and adults depend on these magnificent creatures to help heal them at over 800 sanctioned Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International centers worldwide. Abbreviated as PATH, this organization works to improve the lives of individuals with a wide range of needs from physical to cognitive, emotional, social and even behavioral skills. PATH centers partner with hospitals, schools, adult day care centers, even the Veterans Administration all because of the miraculous power horses have with people. And many PATH centers offer the Horses for Hero’s program designed for wounded men and women that have faithfully served our country. Make no doubt that the instructors and aides at these riding centers have the patience of Job, I have watched them, but its horses that perform miracles. Paul Newman’s daughter Clea, herself an accomplished equestrian involved with a Therapeutic Riding program calls the well-trained horses and ponies that seem to sense the special needs of their charges, as close to angels as you can get here on earth. To find a PATH program near you visit www.Pathintl.org
