NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE
Seth, a 13-year-old horse, accepts a treat from Linda Koehle, resident at River Ridge seniors' residence on Thursday afternoon. Seth's visit was the idea of Linda Kraft, Irvine School athletic director, who also brought students to interact with residents and the horse.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
It was straight from the horse’s mouth for seniors at River Ridge retirement residence on Thursday afternoon.
A beautiful horse arrived with many students from Irvine School to mingle with seniors and interact with Seth the 13-year-old horse and a dog named Hendrix.
“Studies show our mood increases for the better when we’re around animals in general,” said Linda Kraft, Irvine School athletic director.
Many seniors were ranchers at one time and feel comfortable around horses, she explained.
Isaac Wells, recreation manager at River Ridge, says he’d watched a documentary about a horse being taken to interact with patients in a hospital and was astonished at the therapeutic benefits.
Wells had heard residents talk about riding a horse to school and knew bringing Seth to River Ridge would help residents remember the happy days of their youth.
“We’ve been waiting all week for this,” said Wells.
Linda Koehle, resident, did not hesitate to interact with Seth and said it was because she used to have a horse of her own.
“I miss all my pets,” said Koehle, who then described how animals communicate with people.
Another resident, Owen Higman, was enjoying sitting outside in the sunshine when Seth approached.
“I like them and they’re the best,” said Higman. “It means lots to me.”
Kraft says every feeling and emotion people have, horses have too. If people feel scared the horse senses that.
Makayla Cole, Grade 9 student at Irvine School, has been riding horses for a year.
“It’s good to have a connection with something so big. They feel your vibes.”
Alyssa Zieffle, Irvine School student, has been riding since she could walk.
“Always been a big part of my life, a friend you can build trust in.”
Kraft runs the Equine Assisted Learning program that has been focusing on the benefits of equine interaction with diverse populations. She has a favourite Winston Churchill quote:
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
