Stable offers therapy to horses, heads

Equine therapy has infiltrated American society, and is growing as a premier choice for those living with life-threatening illnesses and youth with behavioral problems. Never Say Never Stables (NSN) in Webster, N.Y., is an equine therapy barn with a lot on its plate and a successful future ahead. Janice Hyde, owner and program director of NSN has set up shop on an 11-acre former Thoroughbred farm. Currently, there are eight therapy horses on staff and countless volunteers. Hyde's goal is to help youth in need, whether they have serious illneasses or behavioral problems.

On the NSN Web site, www.nsnstables.org, the mission of the program is "providing life-enriching, horse assisted activities for children and teens living with cancer or other life challenges."

Hyde recently opened her business to the public this spring, as she has prepared the volunteers and equine staff members (the horses) for what lies ahead. Hyde, with the help of many, has created a warm, friendly and welcoming environment at her barn.

Volunteers say working with horses is therapy for them, just as it is therapy for sick children and teens.

"Volunteering at NSN gives me the escape I need from the pressures and stress of everyday life. When I am there working with the horses, I feel very calm and think of nothing else," volunteer Terry R. said.

Volunteers help with numerous tasks around the barn. Duties range from cleaning stalls and scrubbing water buckets to exercising or grooming the horses. No matter the job, volunteers get hands-on equine experience.

The equine staff varies greatly in body type and size. Kate and Luna, the Belgian Draft mother and daughter, are extremely large and just as affectionate, while Rocky and Dusty, white miniature horses, barely reach the volunteers' hips, but make up for their small size with big hearts.

A few of the horses, like Hudson, a striking Thoroughbred, have come from abusive situations themselves. However, they have amazingly calm and affectionate personalities. Horses are well-known for their resiliency, warm demeanors and especially forgiveness.

Hyde has contacted several organizations in hope to have more troubled and sick youth benefiting from the horses by summer.

Hyde said there is currently an autistic young man in therapy with the horses, who has absolutely benefited from his time at the stables. Upon leaving NSN one day, he blew Hyde a kiss goodbye, something his mother said she had rarely ever seen him do.