Whisper M&B

W-Karo NTF and her granddaughter,
Wynett Roes GNF

Lysander "Lucy"

ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY

The process of helping children attach to a loving animal friend, with the overall objective of rebuilding trust towards humans, is called AAT. When children have lived in chaos and abuse, the disruption it causes in the bonding process leaves them distrusting and weary. There is nothing as well-suited as a Haflinger to begin the healing process.

We here at Gambrel Farm understand that healing process. We understand the need to care and be cared for. We understand the role responsibility plays in the building of self-worth. We understand the art of cooperation and the bond it builds between friends. Most of all, we understand the outcome of the program we have been running for so long.

Changed lives are the evidence seen with such a program. Changed lives that reflect the love and care exchanged between the Haflinger and its caregiver. Productive, loving adults going on with their lives; successes, if you will.

Here at the farm we give each child their own Haflinger to ride and care for. The children are given riding lessons that translate into riding experience on the trails and later in the mountains or on the beach. They share in chores, thus building a sense of community and helpfulness as they work together. The way they feel when others come to visit, and they get to show off what they can do with their own horse, builds a sense of pride unmatched in any previous life experiences. Knowing that they are involved in something many others only dream about also builds self-esteem.

Thanks to the Haflinger and that uncomplicated personality, we have found the perfect horse for our program.