Equine Rehabilitation of Central Texas

Photo by Elizabeth HunterPhoto by Elizabeth HunterPhoto by Elizabeth Hunter

Rescue meets special needs of people, horses

At Equine Rehabilitation of Central Texas in Leander, what began as a rescue organization to help abused and neglected horses has expanded by using some of those same horses to help people with disabilities.

ERCT was founded by Lisa Rivers, who said she worked as a special education teacher and with disability organizations as a nonprofit manager for more than 25 years. She said she also loves horses and took in rescues as a volunteer before starting the nonprofit in 2012.

"A lot of people say, 'How can you get those skinny, awful-looking horses in here?' And I say, 'Hey, I'm just glad I have them. Now they can start getting healthy,'" Rivers said.

Average costs for rehabilitating a horse can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the animal's condition, and the process usually takes six to 12 months, Rivers said. Expenses include the cost of food, medicine, vitamin supplements, veterinarian and farrier bills, and additional training in some cases, she said.

In May, Rivers shifted her focus away from traditional fundraising to start a therapeutic riding program under the nonprofit umbrella of ECRT.

The earnings from the program, called Hopeful Hearts Therapeutic Riding Program, are partially funding the nonprofit rescue. In turn, horses are evaluated once they are healthy to see if they have the right temperament to serve in the therapy program. If not, they are put up for adoption.

"I think [people] really like that we rehab horses and then give them a job here," Rivers said.

One of the successfully employed rescue horses is Bo, a 20-something Appaloosa.

When Bo arrived at ERCT in August, he was severely underweight and suffering digestive and hoof problems. With careful feeding, frequent hoof trimming and hoof-building supplements, Rivers said his condition has improved more quickly than expected.

Jenna Roberts, whose son Weston has autism and participates in the therapeutic riding program, spent time grooming Bo and bonded with him in those first weeks, she said.

"I saw his skinny little ribs, so I was giving him all my love and telling him he was going to love it [here] and get well," Roberts said.

Rivers said Weston was the therapy riding program's pilot student for 10 weeks this summer, and he has continued to progress in his weekly lessons.

"Weston started off with two side walkers and a horse handler. But he is doing so well he doesn't need anyone to walk beside him anymore," Rivers said, adding that less support is the goal.

His mother said being on the horse allows Weston's sensory issues to improve, and his body relaxes. Plus, it helps that he is having fun, she said.

"They get a lot of language out of him that wouldn't come naturally because his body is in tune and just relaxed," Roberts said.

ERCT offers day camps on Saturdays for families who would like to try out the program. Activities include a short ride, learning about horse care, arts and crafts, and playing with two resident miniature donkeys.

"Siblings can come to camp, too, and that's really fun," Roberts said. "A lot of times with special-needs [families], the special-needs kid seems to get all the attention. [But camp] is something the kids can do together."

Volunteer roles

A two-hour orientation and training session is offered once a month for new volunteers. Some age restrictions apply.

Side walkers are responsible for keeping the child on the horse. The person walks alongside to provide physical support and to help the student follow directions during therapeutic riding lessons.

Horse handlers are responsible for the horse. This volunteer pays attention to the horse's body language to alert the instructor to any potential problems during a lesson.

Barn helpers assist with grooming, feeding, cleaning or other barn chores as needed.

Project specialists help with special events or projects such as construction of a rainwater collection system, shed or rabbit hutch.

Equine Rehabilitation of Central Texas, 17000 Trails End Cove, Leander

512-484-8480, www.horseserct.org, www.facebook.com/equinerehabilitationofcentraltexas