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Open Your Heart, 2008 Campaign
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Imagine new parents gleaming into the tiny eyes of their firstborn child. Her future is promising, as with every child born around the world. However, after several months of symptoms, doctors inform the parents their child shows all the signs of cerebral palsy.
"Cerebral" refers to the brain and "palsy" to lack of motor control.
As the new parents adjust to the news and investigate various therapies, they decide to try equine therapy. They soon purchase a miniature pony, “Pocket”, who seems just the perfect fit.
Never
could they have imagined the strong heart and unspoken spirit
Pocket possessed. As soon as they put their little girl atop
Pocket, they knew this was the right decision.
The joy and smiles on their child’s face, all because of a three-foot, silver dapple, miniature pony, were indescribable. While riding on Pocket, their daughter’s muscles had never been so relaxed allowing for better motor control.
Immediately, Pocket offered these parents a glimmer of hope for
a brighter future. There began a shared trust and friendship
among this little girl and her short,
four-legged friend.
No one expected that a pony could bring so much happiness and optimism this unsuspecting family.
After celebrating her fourth birthday, the family decided it was time to purchase a bigger pony.
How would they ever find the right home for Pocket?
As the trailer arrived at SpiritHorse, and the ramp was lowered, great anticipation was felt among all who watched. There stood “Pocket”, a wide-eyed miniature with a sense of wonderment of what was to come.
As Pocket was led down the SpiritHorse brick path, with various
other 4-legged therapists looking on, he began to sense and
understand the love and care his new home offered.
On clear days, Pocket now grazes and sunbathes with his buddy, Snowflake, once again waiting for the sounds of children’s laughter and tiny voices. Pocket knows his job is to inspire children to break down physical barriers set by doctors and therapists. He knows he will create new friendships with his SpiritHorse riders and also to those who bring him sugar cubes and apples.
As Pocket waits for the bustle of the upcoming Spring session, now is the time to welcome our new family member and help him fulfill his job of giving therapeutic riding lessons to children in need.
FAQs about SpiritHorse:
- SpiritHorse serves over 400 special needs individuals from ten North Texas counties.
- SpiritHorse is the largest center in the nation that provides services FREE OF CHARGE.
- SpiritHorse costs per/rider/year is $1,220 versus the national industry costs of $5,500!
- SpiritHorse depends 100% on individual and foundation funding!
All donations are tax-deductible! SpiritHorse is a 501(c)3 organization.