MANILA, Philippines - Numerous studies have shown that animal-assisted therapy, or therapy based on animal encounters and companionship, can have remarkable positive effects on children with special needs. Tomorrow, March 23, the Center For Possibilities, Inc. (CFP) has invited noted horse whisperer and natural horsemanship proponent Henry Ocier to talk about his passion for horses and how horse therapy can help the growth and development of a special child.
“I love my horses, I consider them a part of the family,” shares Henry. “Many people are afraid of horses because they look big and aggressive. But what they don’t know is that horses are prey animals whose first instinct is to run, not to attack. Horses are very smart, very docile animals who make great companions if they feel safe and cared for.”
It has been clinically proven that just being in the vicinity of a horse can change brainwave patterns. For special children, interacting with horses can have profound benefits. Children with ADD or low attention spans will often focus on grooming or stroking a horse for long periods, while withdrawn, autistic children are motivated to express themselves in order to communicate with the horse and the people around him.
Henry first saw these benefits for himself when he taught the son of Dolores Cheng, founder of CFP, how to ride. “Riding the horse really boosted his self-confidence,” Henry says. “Andreas was attentive to instructions, he asked questions, and he was patient and caring with the horse. And you could see that he was very excited and happy. It inspired me to offer my horses for other special children so they can also feel what Andreas felt.”
Along with fellow advocate Mike Tess Davidas, a SpEd educator and herself a mother of a dyslexic child, Henry Ocier often brings groups of special children to his farm in Tagaytay Highlands for a day with his horses.
“It’s gratifying to see how the children react with wonder and delight when they meet the horses,” says Henry. “Once they learn how to command and communicate with the horse, their eyes light up and you can really feel their sense of accomplishment and pride.”
The Center For Possibilities, Inc. is a non-profit foundation working for the benefit of children with developmental disabilities and their families. Since 2008, the foundation has been conducting parent support group meetings with invited speakers to offer insight, inspiration, and advice to the parents of special-needs children. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.possibilitiescenter.org.
The next CFP parent support group meeting will be on March 23, from 4-6 p.m., at the Reach International School, 67 Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. For inquiries, call 725-5132/ 723-1242 and look for Tina.