By ADA HAENSEL, M.Ed
In a world obsessed with metrics and timelines, horses offer a profound alternative. At Speaking of Horses, our equine therapists demonstrate daily that true communication emerges not through pressure but through patience—a lesson that transformed our approach to speech therapy forever.
An 8-year-old autistic girl taught us this truth. Despite her passion for horses in theory, real horses overwhelmed her senses. Yet it was Red, our untrained three-year-old horse, who first reached her.
With uncanny intuition, Red would lower his head when she approached his fence, standing statue still during their seconds-long interactions. These moments revealed something remarkable: horses possess an innate ability to meet children exactly where they are—without agenda, expectation, or timeline. While therapists measure progress in data points, horses measure it in authentic connection.
Our therapy pony, Whinny, demonstrated this wisdom through seven months of nearly imperceptible progress. When professionals might have questioned continued services, Whinny remained steadfast. Her silent presence offered neither judgment nor demand—just the possibility of connection when the child was ready. Together, they redefined “progress” not as weekly advancement on a chart but as the gradual building of trust that forms the foundation for all meaningful communication.
The transformation, when it came, was breathtaking. After 28 sessions, she mounted Whinny for the first time. Though brief, this moment represented not just sitting on a horse but the culmination of a journey measured in millimeters of trust. Whinny seemed to understand the magnitude of this achievement, standing perfectly still beneath her as her face illuminated with joy.
The final breakthrough arrived with a donated ramp that made mounting less intimidating. That day, Whinny carried her in a full circuit around our ring. The rhythmic, three-dimensional movement of his body unlocked something profound in hers—words poured forth both verbally and through her communication device: “go,” “stop,” “more.” In one session, she communicated more than in our entire eight months together.
This wasn’t a coincidence. The neurological input from the horse’s movement, combined with the security of hard-won trust and the intrinsic motivation of this long-awaited moment, created perfect conditions for communication to flourish.
At Speaking of Horses, we recognize that our equine partners often understand instinctively what we’ve learned professionally: profound breakthroughs follow their own timeline. Our horses show us daily that patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s a prerequisite for genuine connection and communication.
Supporting These Journeys
Speaking of Horses operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to making equine-assisted speech therapy accessible to children from all backgrounds. While we accept insurance, including Medicaid, the costs of providing this specialized therapy far exceed typical reimbursement rates. The care and maintenance of our therapy horses, specialized adaptive equipment, facility upkeep, and accommodations like our sensory corner and mounting ramp all require resources beyond what insurance covers.
Stories like the one shared here are made possible through the generosity of donors and community supporters who understand the value of patience, connection, and meeting each child where they are. If you’ve been moved by this journey of patience before progress, consider supporting Speaking of Horses through a donation that helps create the time and space for more children to find their voices at their own perfect pace.
Your contribution directly supports the unhurried, child-led approach that makes these breakthroughs possible. To learn more about supporting our mission or to make a donation, please visit our website by clicking here or contact us directly.
Speaking of Horses won Champion in The Plaid Horse’s 2024 Equine Impact Small Business Contest. Read their business feature here.
