Raising any child can be challenging, but living with a special needs child can be flat out daunting! As parents we try to do the best we can and it is frustrating and hurtful when others just don’t understand that our child’s behavior is not about us not doing our job.
The truth is that many kids who seem to be ‘acting out’ are struggling with mental health issues, such as ADHD. This article in Time magazine reminds us that ADHD has very real connections to 
what is going on in the brain. As research continues to uncover anomalies in the brain, scientists may be more successful in finding ways to minimize/treat the symptoms. Until then, there are many things that can be helpful in working with kids who are dealing with ADHD issues.
Work with horses can help many. A couple of examples of what our clients learn are: how to bring their energy down while working with their horses so that the horse feels safe – Prey animals (other animals eat them!) can be startled by sudden movement or noises – and how to implement a variety of self-soothing/calm skills, so that when they begin to feel overwhelmed or agitated they can stop,
take a few deep breaths and get back on track.
Additionally, for parents/caregivers we offer an understanding ear and some strategies they can use in the home to help them be more successful. From using specific language to chore charts, we 
are happy to work with families to find what works best for them.
The bottom line is that we are help. If you and your child/teen are struggling with ADHD or other mental health issues, give us a call or send an email. We will be happy to set up a tour for you. We will introduce the horses, learn more about the challenges you are dealing with and will share how we may be able to help. We look forward to meeting you!