Letter: Local program helps healing with horses

What your readers may not know is that there is a similar program in operation within our county that provides similar services to children, teenagers and, in certain cases, returning service personnel who need to restore their level of social confidence.

The service is known as "Heroes On Horseback" and has been operating for several years providing therapeutic service to the community. It is remarkable to see the effect that can be achieved when a bond is created with the rider and his or her horse. Individuals who were reluctant to be part of any collective activity become confident as the bond between the horse and rider develops, regardless of age and/or experience.

I have seen much the same thing with other animal/human relationships; a good example is the program for visiting dogs in hospital wards or cats being allowed to be part of the hospital routine.

If any reader would like further information on the current program for Heroes on Horseback, they should contact P.O. Box 3678, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Geoff Wheatley

This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 3:05 AM with the headline "Letter: Local program helps healing with horses."