Sonora, California

Dear friends and neighbors of the community,

I’m writing this letter in support and endorsement of the Mounted Dream Center, Inc.  I have known in theory of equine therapy and its beneficial effects on those with an array of developmental and emotional diagnoses but recently I have been able to witness the healing effects of this work, when skillfully and compassionately carried out, in the lives of some of my patients and friends.

I have known for years a local woman, a single mother, and nine adopted children, some of whom have been my patients.  Most of these children were drug-exposed in utero and some were subsequently subjected to emotional and physical abuse. As a result of their rough starts in life, they all have congenital, emotional, and/or developmental issues, including developmental delay, attachment disorder, trust issues, ADHD, learning disabilities, depression, retardation, bi-polar disorder, seizure disorder, and cerebral palsy.  They are each on several medications managed by a psychiatrist and in special care and education for these issues, which have significantly altered the ability to enjoy and participate in the life that children have an inherent right to do.

Since they have been privileged to work with the loving, patient, and knowledgeable equine therapist Patti Taylor-Welch and her horses, I have seen a dramatic improvement in their lives: patience, increased self-esteem, a sense of accomplishment, cooperation, improved social skills, increased independence and self-confidence, and willingness and ability to stay on task regarding homework and other responsibilities, to name a few obvious changes.   I have read reports from their psychiatrist, Dr. R Roxas.  One child, who is on five psychiatrist-managed medications and who has previously home-schooled because of his limitations has now started to public school and rides the bus which he has never done before.  This child says he’s “willing to stay in public school as long as he can still do horse riding.”  Their mother reports that “Tuesdays (riding day) is the happiest day in our home.”

Their mother also reports that she was “touched with the care and imagination that went into the ground school graduation – 10-12 adults having a tea party in a beautiful garden with a magical picture of each child.” Patti puts extra loving care into what she does.  For instance, one child who was into fantasy princess tales, was magically poised on the back of a unicorn through ‘photo editing’ for her graduation picture.

I’d like to give a few more examples of the life-changing work that Patti and her horses have accomplished in the lives of children who have significant challenges:

A nine year old child from another family had issues with self-esteem after his parent’s divorce.   He was doing poorly in school and social situations, and had no confidence in his ability to participate in sports which further alienated him socially.  According to his mother, this child “bonded to Patti at once as she took him under her wing and made him feel special.”  With her he learned the anatomy of horses and she helped him to create a journal of what he had learned.  “Patti’s place has become ‘an oasis’ for him, a ‘heaven on earth’”, where he has learned the value of hard work, animal safety, responsibility, and finally, to start taking risks and develop trust and a growing self-confidence.

A young girl who was born 13 weeks premature has resulting blindness and neurological disorders.  Per her mother, “the world overwhelmed her.”  She became readily agitated and panicky, but, she always leaves her lessons feeling calm, relaxed, and happy not only because of the horses, but because Patti and her volunteers who are patient and compassionate, give this child their undivided attention and are accommodating to her needs.  She feels that the Mounted Dream Center is a “perfect fit for her.”

Another child has auditory delay which caused low self-esteem and learning challenges. According to his mother, she has seen him become able to work through his frustrations while working with his favorite horse. “He now has something that he’s proud of.  The day he first rode, he said was the best day of his life.”

In conclusion, I strongly support the healing work that Ms. Taylor-Welch is doing with her horses for these special needs children at the Mounted Dream Center.  I see the need for a continuation and expansion of this valuable service to many other emotionally and physically disabled youth in our county.  To quote Chief Dan George, “All this world needs is one generation of happy children.” The above stories provide examples of how this work is doing that for it’s fortunate recipients.

Sincerely,   Candace Heron F.N.P   Sonora, CA