“Walk up,” the handler calls, touching her hand to the rump of the bright chestnut behind which she walks. The gelding lengthens his stride, blowing softly with the rhythm of the gait, ears flicking as he waits for the sign. You can barely hear the handler’s trill through the final chords of “I’m a Little Teapot”, but right on cue the horse halts, sending its young rider wobbling forward as sidewalkers and therapist sing that last line, “Tip me over and pour me out.” Between fits of laughter the rider manages a gasping, “Too easy!” An imperceptible aid sends the horse walking once again; the muffled sound of hoofbeats marking time as the session draws to a close.
That’s us, that’s who we are here at NCEFT. We believe medicine comes in many forms, some of which are hooved and hairy. We think independence can be found on the back of a horse, or riding shotgun on an ATV. We’re for carrot snacks, muzzle kisses, and trail rides through the trees. But most of all we’re for hope, healing, and horses.
