Development Director

Pay it Forward

December 1, 2011 by Development Director

We do everything we can to keep our horses comfortable in their work as long as possible. From Glucosamine supplements to stalls outfitted with start of the art flooring, NCEFT makes sure our older equines are well equipped. However, no amount of loving care can stop the steady progression of time and the aches and pains that come with age. Earlier this year we decided that, at 20 years old, Boon was ready to enjoy the retirement he had earned.

Born in White Swan, Washington on May 8^th, 1991, Grey Billy Boon was the son of Boon Bars Best and out of a mare named Duster Suzy. As a 5 year old he was sold to Frank and Charlot Beard of Ellensburg, Washington. Owners of the Beard Rodeo Company, Frank and Charlot founded the Company in 1973, providing bucking bulls and horses for local rodeos. Their stock have made appearances at some of the nation’s greatest rodeos, including the PRCA Finals and 17 consecutive years at the National Finals Rodeo. We’re guessing that Boon was some kind of ranch horse, helping to move bucking stock and working the 160-acre Naneum Road ranch.

In 2001 at the age of 10, Boon was sold to the Montana based Dearborn Ranch for a sum of $12,500. It was there he met up with future NCEFT therapy horses Jazzy and Cody. Six years later the 3 of them were headed for California and their new careers at NCEFT.

Boon spent the next 4 years as a full-fledged therapy horse. From lined Hippotherapy to off-lead Therapeutic riding, he was both versatile and dependable. Then Boon started to slow down a bit, taking longer to warm up his often creaky joints and having difficulty managing steep hills. We knew it was getting to be time for Boon to enter retirement. The thing was, Boon didn’t want to retire. He loved daily attention from staff and was happiest when surrounded by at least a handful of adoring fans. By a wonderful set of coincidences NCEFT happened to become connected with the Veterinary Technician program at nearby Foothill College. They were looking for a patient horse to help teach students proper handling techniques, and Boon seemed like the perfect fit.

Boon is now a proud member of the Foothill College Family, sharing an expansive paddock with some friendly goats and sheep. We received a card the other week from the new students with what must be nearly 50 signatures, all thanking us for sharing our fantastic horse. NCEFT is not only thrilled to have found such a great home, but proud to be able to help out a program working to help train the people who keep our horses healthy. We’re so often the ones on the receiving end of generosity, we’re thrilled to be able to pay it forward.

*Cue Pomp and Circumstance

November 17, 2011 by Development Director

The past month has been one of graduations here at NCEFT. While not uncommon to have a horse in training, rarely do we happen to have three of those horses at one time. First came Buddy, a Quarter Horse gelding purchased by our Program Director, Chris. Then Honey arrived, a Paint mare donated by a local trainer. Finally, we came across Janie, who’s being leased to the program by her owner, Sara. All of a sudden we had a trio of young horses (none older than 7) who needed training in Therapeutic Riding (TR), Hippotherapy, and general exposure to the craziness that is pediatric equine-facilitated therapy. That meant balls, scarves, loud noises, off-balance riders, and a host of other experiences entirely new to these guys.

Buddy waits patiently for his very first TR rider

Each horse arrived with their own set of quirks and challenges, and the staff was tasked with developing individualized training programs. The last horse to arrive, Janie, was the first to begin sessions, easily stepping in to her role as a TR horse. Then came Buddy, who was desperately needed to carry our taller adult riders (not everyone is suited to a Fjord or Welsh Pony). At 15.3 hands he’s a little too big for lined Hippotherapy, but fills a vital role in our TR program. Though TR is certainly a challenge, it’s mainly learning to be tolerant of beginners as they slowly become riders. In contrast, Hippotherapy requires the horse to learn to ground drive while a team of up to 5 people engage a patient in everything from mounted baseball to a game of catch. So, when Janie made it through her first Hippo session (complete with balls and clanging bells) this week, we were beyond thrilled.

Janie goes between the lines for her first Hippotherapy session

It won’t be long before we’re sharing news of Honey’s graduation. Her expressive gaits and limitless energy will be a terrific challenge for our stronger patients, and her sweet personality has made her an instant barn favorite (though her good looks certainly don’t hurt). If you happen to be in the arena when one of the new horses is working, be sure to say hello and give them a congratulatory shoulder rub!

2011 Volunteer Appreciation Party

November 11, 2011 by Development Director

Thanks to everyone who came; it was great catching up with our veteran volunteers and getting to know all the new ones!

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What’s in a Name?

November 8, 2011 by Development Director

The first time one of our young patients remembers your name is wonderful. It’s the moment when you start to feel like you’re doing something special, making a difference. You’re not just a sidewalker, a header, or a horse handler, you’re an individual, and someone would like to know why you’re not wearing your red baseball cap today.

The very first patient to remember my name was a little girl with a memory that could rival even the most astute of elephants. Standing barely taller than her horse’s belly, she easily climbed the steps of the mounting block and upon settling herself on the horse’s back, turned towards me and asked my name. Though she’d go on to ask that same question every ride for the next month, it was the only time she needed a response, and when told she already knew my name, would dutifully reply with the correct answer.

The recollection of a person’s name is so much more than merely recognizing a face; it’s recognizing a person’s entire set of idiosyncrasies, past interactions, and inherent personality. It’s saying I remember you; you’re the person who sings that ridiculous song about a whale with a polka dot tail, that’s my favorite, will you sing it again? And then they smile, and it’s the most beautiful smile full of tiny white teeth, and it seems as if it’s just for you.

It’s easy to feel as though you’re one of an endless sea of volunteers or staff, easily replaced and then soon forgotten. But if you think of all the times you’ve made a child happy, a child who might otherwise feel imperfect or marginalized, you’ll come to realize that you’re of vital importance. Only you can get that little boy to stop saying no and start saying yes. You’re the person who can lead Valentine while counting to ten in Romanian. It’s you who knows why Pluto isn’t in his TeePee on the sensory trail (he’s on vacation is Disneyland). You’re special and we will always remember your name.

There’s an App for that.

November 3, 2011 by Development Director

In a time where white earbuds are ubiquitous, and everyone seems to own an iSomething, it’s no surprise that even toddlers are benefitting from the tech-craze. With patients showing up to sessions iPads in hand, and parents asking for advice on the latest apps, we’re finding ourselves thrown head-first into the often overwhelming world of Assistive Technology.

Though there exists countless Assistive Education apps, those involving language may be most useful in the equine-assisted therapy setting. Children and adults who struggle with verbal language can use these tools to communicate their wants and needs. From asking their horse to “Go, please” to choosing a red ball over a blue ring, they can begin to interact more fully with the environment and the people within it. Studies, such as that done by Charlop-Christy, et al, indicate acquisition of these systems lead to increases in age-appropriate behaviors and decreases in negative behaviors.

Though tending towards a sales pitch (which it ultimately is), this clip from the iPad 2 keynote gives you an idea of how these applications are being put to use. Below you’ll find a small sampling of some of the available options:

Conversation Builder by Mobile Educational Tools is designed to help elementary aged children learn how to have multi-exchange conversations with their peers in a variety of social settings. The auditory pattern of conversation is presented in a visual format to help students recognize and master the flow of conversation. Students will learn when it is appropriate to introduce themselves, ask questions, make observations and change the subject of the conversation.

Custom Boards by Smarty Ears is designed to serve as a board and activity creator for speech therapists, teachers, special education and parents of children who need symbols to communicate and learn. Custom Boards includes over 11 thousand built in symbols from the Smarty Symbols library and the ability to add your own photos.

SoundingBoard by AbleNet SoundingBoard transforms your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad into the latest in communication technology. In just minutes, you can create create custom boards using AbleNet symbols or your own photos. Perfect for children in special education, persons on the autism spectrum, and adults with disabilities.

ABA “Emotion” Flashcards and Games by Innovative Mobile Apps is ideal for kids aged 1-4. Using flash cards and interactive games, this app helps children identify, understand, and respond appropriately to over 20 different emotions.

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Pay it Forward

Pay it Forward

*Cue Pomp and Circumstance

2011 Volunteer Appreciation Party

What’s in a Name?

There’s an App for that.

NCEFT: HORSES. HOPE. HEALING.

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