Success Stories

The call came from a parent whose voice reflected their concern: “My son barely talks to anyone anymore. Can your horses help? He does love animals.” We get calls like this several times a year, from mental health professionals, teachers, and parents alike. We never promise to have all the answers or solutions. We just say, “Maybe the horses can help. Come and see!" The boy in question, we’ll call him Carlos, came to the ranch about a week later. Our first glimpse of Carlos was a defiant adolescent exiting his parents’ car, doing a great job of hiding his enthusiasm. He grunted a brief greeting and, despite himself, turned his attention to the curious mini equines who were straining up against their corral, eager to meet a new friend. We encouraged Carlos to take his time and mingle with the herd in order to see which of our equines he felt most connected with. Most kids make a decision quite quickly, but Carlos was discerning. In his cautious, tentative way he approached every equine, who surrounded him like he was their king. A big smile spread across his face. Our hopes rose! We now knew - Carlos would likely come back! Each time he returned he brought with him a bag of apples and he had just a little more spring in his step. On the fourth visit, we saw Carlos speaking softly, and with a look of great sincerity, made eye contact with each of the equines. In a funny twist of fate Carlos settled on the most rambunctious, noisy, and mischievous of our equines: Melly the mini mule. Carlos may have decided to ignore the adults in his life, but there was no ignoring Melly! From that day on, taking Melly as his example, Carl has come further and further out of his shell. It has been such a joy to see him growing in confidence, right in front of our eyes. It seems like magic sometimes, seeing what these equines are capable of eliciting in us. They really have an X factor, a je ne se quois, that is unmatched in the animal kingdom, and any kingdom for that matter! It’s witnessing these kinds of changes that really keep us going! Our approach to a silent young person is fourfold. Firstly, we don’t pressure anyone with a barrage of questions requiring answers and we don’t promise instant results. These things take time! We’re not magicians and we leave our egos at the barn door. Secondly, we do not concern ourselves with the why and how of what led the young person into the silent world they have found themselves in. We take people as they are and move forward one step at a time. The horses taught us that. Thirdly, we understand that there is a lot going on in the young person’s mind and so we don’t want to interfere with their complex mental processes. Instead, we give them an avenue to direct their thoughts towards someone who shares in their silence. We allow space for the equines to discern what is going on under the surface and to relate to that in their silent, peaceful, and non judgmental way –– that is the X factor. As for Carlos, stay TUNED for our next story to find out about his amazing discovery that absolutely floored us, and why we just emphasized the word TUNE… If you or someone you love has become withdrawn don’t wait! Give us a call and set up an appointment. Our number is 505 469 1285. Melly, Hotdog, Thor, and Serafina are all eager to meet you. And remember, we support adults too!