February 16, 2008

WARWICK, N.Y. – A recent study by the CDC found that one in 150 eight year-olds have autism. The disorder, characterized by social interaction and communication problems, is incurable. But experts say there’s hope for autistic people, thanks to animal-friendly therapy.

At the Winslow Therapeutic Center in Warwick, NY, horse healing is the mantra. Patients include kids like Samantha Munin, who shows up to ride with her sister Rebecca every week. Samantha is autistic, but her sister is not. Still, the girls’ father Frank brings them both to Winslow – it’s a way the sisters can bond while Samantha receives therapy while Dad watches contently from the sidelines.

“Horses stimulate human body and motion at the normal walk,” said Cathe Struble, volunteer coordinator and certified therapeutic riding instructor. “So what horses can do for children who can’t walk or need assistance walking, is they get that natural stimulation of the muscles moving.”

Struble says riding helps kids contract and release muscles in ways they normally wouldn’t if they use wheel chairs or just have trouble on two feet. The muscle stimulation that occurs during riding allows them to walk more easily and develop trunk control – a vital aspect of good balance.

Laura Toro said her son Keelan has shown improvements since he started riding.

“Well, at school they’re saying that … he’s happier. He’s more alert and focusing. It’s really social and it’s something that’s great for him to talk about,” she said.

Not just any horse can provide the kind of care these kids need. Volunteer Lara Menegazzo said each is specially chosen.

“All of our horses go through training,” she explained. “So you know that they are all bombproof. They’re not really scared of anything and they’re not very skittish.”

“The horses make the kids happy – it’s the bond that an animal gives to a child or an adult,” said Struble. “You can’t touch that – it’s absolutely priceless. They’re so wonderful to be able to bond like that … it takes a special kind of animal.”

Winslow isn’t the only organization providing horse-driven therapy. For a list of care providers nationwide, head to narha.org. To learn more about the Winslow Theraputic Center, visit their Web site winslow.org.

Be sure to see the video about this story.

Tell us what you think under this story. Post your favorite pet videos at the zootooTV tab. E-mail us your story ideas at news@zootoo.com or call us at 877-777-4204.