“A Leg Up”

By: Sarah Auchard
Mother of 2 and Youth/Equine Specialist
Executive Director of Horses Healing Hearts, Inc.

As parents, we all strive to raise well-adjusted, responsible and confident children. We gradually introduce them to different stimuli and guide them through appropriate responses to these factors. It has been shown through numerous studies that children involved in sports, music, art and other extracurricular activities tend to relate better to others, have higher self-esteem and an inherent desire to learn. So, we then begin the process of determining the activities in which they should participate. We look for programs that embrace our ideals and expand upon the values that we have taught our children. One thing that is often over-looked, however, is the type of interactions that occur with the activities we have chosen. In most sports, children will learn sportsmanship and how to interact well within large groups. Whereas, music and art lend themselves well to freedom of expression and individuality. Very few activities work closely with one-on-one interactions and non-verbal communication. These skills are not only necessary in every day life, but they also occur more frequently throughout our lives. Horseback riding provides an excellent opportunity for a child to develop these skills while encouraging an active lifestyle, building their gross and fine motor skills, improving their self-esteem and giving them a sense of responsibility all within a nurturing environment that’s foundation is built on unconditional love.

The sheer size of a horse can be daunting to those who have not been exposed to these gentle giants. It is what lies beneath that is the most impressive. These animals are some of the greatest teachers of non-verbal communication and self-respect. They willingly respond to the commands of their rider and eagerly look forward to the time their rider spends with them. As a result, children learn the value of “speaking silently” through body language and body position. Children learn how to read “cues” from facial expressions to gestures and body position. These skills carry through to adulthood where they interact in a variety of social settings.

In addition to the analytical skills that horse back riding teaches, children also get to enjoy the outdoors and develop healthy lifestyles. Many people do not think of horse back riding as a workout, but it is extremely intense, especially when riding at the faster paces. Due to the nature of riding, the rider develops the large muscle groups of the leg, as well as fine motor skills, a heightened sense of touch and improved balance. By becoming more aware of their bodies, children naturally develop their self-confidence and an appreciation of how they impact their surroundings.

Sarah Auchard has lived in North Central Ohio her entire life. Her passion for horses began as a small child. As a 4 year old, her mother purchased her first pony. At the age of 9, another love entered her life when she became an Aunt. The innocence and hope that a baby brings into this world impacted Sarah so deeply that as a young adult, she decided to search for a way to combine her love of horses and love of children. She used her own experience as a guide for helping children develop healthy, happy lives through horses. Her desire to help children grew exponentially with the birth of her daughter in 2004. It was revitalized in August of 2007 when her second daughter was born. With over 25 years of riding behind her and two of the greatest blessing before her, she is continually reminded of the power that unconditional love has in people’s lives. For more information you can contact horses healing hearts at PH: 419-564-1205 and sarah@horseshealingheartsinc.org or visit thier website at http://horseshealingheartsinc.org/contact.html