Healing Through Horses on Johns Island
Equine-assisted therapy is a unique method of healing that comes from building a relationship between horses and people. It boasts numerous benefits, and it’s thriving right in our own backyard.
Nestled in the forests of nearby Johns Island is Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding, a nonprofit that focuses on using the power of horses to offer the mental health benefits of equine therapy to people of all backgrounds: a special education student; someone grieving the loss of a loved one; or even a disabled veteran. All are welcome to experience the positive change that comes from working with horses.
A Legacy of Equine Therapy in South Carolina
While many may hear about CATR and wonder if it’s a new addition to South Carolina’s therapeutic options, the truth is that the organization has been serving Johns Island for 34 years. It’s also the only facility in the Lowcountry accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, according to CATR Executive Director Colleen Trepen.
“There’s a huge benefit to being here socially, emotionally, physically and mentally,” Trepen said.
A Peaceful Place for Growth and Support
When you first pull into the CATR property, you immediately feel as if you’ve left a sea island and been transported to a Western ranch complete with corrals, massive pastures and 16 happy, grazing horses. The tall trees encircling the property even present the facade of mountains in the distance.
The beautiful scenery is only a small portion of the therapeutic experience. First-time visitors start with a lesson plan and progression notes, highlighting personalized goals and special areas of focus for each of the “students.”
Building Confidence Through Connection
Trepen explained that the setting at CATR also is beneficial to parents and caregivers, who often cite the facility’s serene backdrop as peaceful and relaxing.
Students build an ongoing relationship with a specific horse by working with the same cantering companion every week. Trepen said this builds confidence, joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Therapeutic Benefits Across Conditions
In a given week, the people and horses at CATR see between 60 and 70 students, many of them dealing with autism, Down syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder or the aftermath of a stroke. They also work with numerous local organizations that focus on addiction recovery, grief and veteran support and other adult care.
Students learn how to take care of horses – to feed them, treat their skin, look after their hooves and more – all of which fosters a sense of independence, even for nonverbal students. They also establish friendships with the employees and volunteers who help them along their journey.
Compassionate Training for Horses and People
Therapy can often yield results in as little as a 12-week session, but many students continue with the program for years.
The horses – as the stars of the show – receive especially attentive care from the employees. This includes regular trail walks, plenty of grazing time, agility training, learning new skills with students and, of course, plenty of healthy treats.
The animals go through an incredibly detailed training plan to ensure they have the proper temperament to work with the students.
“They’ve got to be OK with noises, toys and other distractions,” Trepen said. “We work so hard to make sure our horses get the best training because they are the reason we see this positive change in our students.”
Volunteers, Students, and Holistic Healing
It takes a village of employees to provide this level of care, which includes approximately eight certified instructors, six to eight barn staff and countless people who donate their time and talent. One volunteer, Isabella Young, is in her second year at the Medical University of South Carolina’s occupational therapy program. She volunteered at CATR to learn more about the organization’s holistic approach to healing.
“Seeing alternative therapeutic means of treatment, as well as the different realms of promoting well-being, was a huge pull for me. CATR is so neat. Compared to the standard clinical approach, it’s fascinating to see an organization using animals in therapy for physical and emotional healing,” Young said.
Community Support Keeps the Program Running
Although the state of South Carolina doesn’t currently allow CATR to accept insurance, the nonprofit is able to keep its costs low through generous private donations and hosting elaborate fundraisers periodically. The most important are “Derby Day,” themed around the Kentucky Derby in May, and “Family Fun Fest,” which takes place in October.
Get Involved with Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding
Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding hosts volunteer training three times a year. Donations are always appreciated, but Trepen encourages anyone interested in seeing the difference they make to stop by for a tour and see for yourself. Spreading awareness of the organization’s mission also is immensely helpful.
CATR is open Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays to give its employees and horses time to rest.
By Colby Denton
