Courage Reins uses horses to help with all kinds of therapy
KUTV Wednesday September 9th, 2020
BY MAREN JENSEN (KUTV)
Original article can be found here.
That’s the case for Ashlynn Burnham, who looks forward to riding her favorite horse Torgan every week.
“She’s been riding for 20 years,” said Heidi Burnham, Ashlynn’s mother. “When she gets on the horse, it’s like she’s flying almost.”
Burnham says when Ashlynn has these weekly therapeutic riding sessions, the symptoms of her Rett syndrome seem to melt away.
“We kind of almost see the real Ashlynn that is coming out after being buried underneath the syndrome,” she said.
In addition to therapeutic riding sessions, Courage Reins also offers occupational therapy and mental health therapy–including help for veterans. Their clients include kids, teens, and adults.
And of course, many of their therapies can involve a horse.
“The horses become part of the treatment team, if you will,” said Will Marriott, executive director.
Marriott says interacting with the horses can be very powerful.
“Horses are therapeutic because they read emotions and body language, and they react naturally to that,” he said.
The animals also can give physical help by aiding with muscle building and strengthening.
“That helps them gain confidence in the face of the challenges that they have already in their life,” Marriott said.
Courage Reins relies on donations and volunteers to take care of the horses, keep their programs going, and help families in need.
“The people we see often have major medical and overly expensive lifestyles and so we provide this at a discount,” said Marriott.
They had to cancel their fundraiser this year due to the pandemic.
Pay it Forward: Courage Reins uses horses to help with all kinds of therapy (Photo: KUTV)
Mountain America Credit Union donated $500 to Courage Reins.
They welcome more volunteers to help with the horses and riding sessions. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, you can visit the Courage Reins website or Facebook page.
You can also follow them on Instagram @courage.reins.