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Journey to Connection
"Alex"
Joyce has witnessed firsthand many, many miracles that working with at-risk horses provides. Joyce also witnessed the miracles when Alex, a then twenty-two-year-old autistic adult, experienced such a profound connection with a horse. Yet the most profound connection of all is Alex’s connection with himself. Alex began to transform before everyone’s eyes. Within the first two days of coming to the rescue, Alex deeply and inexplicably bonded with a horse named Benny. Alex would begin to speak in coherent sentences, his fine motor skills would develop, and his emotional regulation would become so consistent that his behaviors would become something from the past.
Alex's experiences at the rescue could not be matched anywhere else. In addition to all of this, Alex has developed confidence and a sense of self-worth that is unprecedented. Joyce and LSHR asked themselves, how can we know how much Alex’s life has changed and not offer this to other people like Alex? How can we know of these possibilities, and not open the doors for others, especially those who are neurodiverse?
Joyce shared her ideas with Gina, Alex’s mother, and they began to create a program that is more fluid and organic than other programs. LSHR’s goal is not to provide therapy for humans, but rather to open the doors to a connection between horses and humans. The healing, the true healing, comes from this inexplicable connection in this type of safe environment.
The “therapy” comes from this connection, and the healing is part of the journey. LSHR feels that a program like this needs to be intimate and more one-on-one, rather than a group. Alex has shown us how the powerful bond between horses and humans forms organically. However, we have also seen how families and caregivers of these neurodiverse people also receive healing from the phenomenon.
This is why we encourage caregivers to be present while the miracles continue. LSHR passionately and unapologetically adheres to its ethics of not using horses for humans. The horses that participate in this program choose to. This may seem unbelievable, but it’s true. We see the horses as partners, and it’s with this respect of partnership that the sacredness of these profound moments… happens. LSHR offers this opportunity completely free of charge. While donations are always gratefully received and go directly to the care of the horses, LSHR does not limit participation due to inability to pay.
If you or if you know of someone with a special need, please reach out to Joyce.
"Archer"
LSHR was honored to be part of sharing the world of horses with a family of six. Archer is only two, but his world has been silent. He was recently diagnosed with level three autism, nonverbal.
Gina is the perfect person to help open this world of horses to a family with a child with autism. Gina’s son, Alex, has proven how powerful the organic connection with horses can be. Even though our focus is on the autistic child, the entire family was welcomed and encouraged to be part of this magical day. Three boys spent the day touching horses and picking their favorites.
Their little brother, Archer, connected with the horse that we knew without doubt would be the one to connect with this child. I witnessed a miracle today when Magic stood over this sweet child, stood close to him, and never left him while he played in the sand, and then connected tenderly as she followed him and stood with him. After several hours, Archer walked to Magic and connected by raising his hands and touching her, and making a sound that was for Magic.
A family of six found peace and acceptance. Joyce and Gina are living the dream…. Sharing the world of horses with others, with the focus being the horse.
"Ranger"
Once we greeted the family, and guided their son to the arena where Ranger was waiting, the environment around us suddenly became quiet. This is when the series of indescribable moments began. With the backdrop of dancing baby goats, playful dogs and happy people, Ranger made a powerful connection with this little boy.
All we did was set up the place for the experience to happen. It was Ranger who created the healing. It will be the pictures and videos that will have to tell the story that we simply cannot.
When the 9-year-old was finished, his family was moved to tears. The profound experience was undeniable. Ranger allowed the family to greet him. The child’s older brother was fascinated by everything that happened and wanted to learn more about it. Afterwards, he shared with us that he saw his brother in a different light now. It was Ranger who brought the light. Ranger was honored, respected, and when he decided to return to his friends in the pasture, we simply opened the gate for him.
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