Photo courtesy Nancy Crouse
Sydney Poole and Evelyn Tennyson have fun grooming a horse at the recent “Special People … Special Horses” event put on by LASSO (Large Animal Southwestern Support Organization). The pair made the most of the activity.
LASSO (Large Animal Support Southwestern Organization) was established in 2001 as a charitable foundation with the idea that no large animal in the Four Corners area would suffer needlessly. LASSO’s main purpose was to make sure there was no mistreatment or harm that came to an animal as a result of human or natural consequences.
Another project that LASSO has embraced is “Special People … Special Horses,” a yearly event that was originally part of the Special Olympics.
Evelyn Tennyson, president of LASSO, said, “Originally the organization was part of the Special Olympics, but around two years ago, when Special Olympics pulled out of this part of the state, the event was renamed ‘Special People … Special Horses.’ If you have ever gone to an event you would see eyes light up and a smile on everyone’s face.”
As a yearly fundraiser, “Special People … Special Horses” offers the opportunity of therapeutic riding for special-needs individuals. The event allows individuals a chance to enjoy a form of therapy that uses horses to promote emotional growth in people with special needs.
The idea of therapy-assisted riding, also called equine-assisted therapy, has been around since 1969, when it was discovered horses respond similarly to humans in their social and responsive behavior. Because of this, it is easy for people with special needs to establish a bond with the animals. The bond is due in part to the horse’s ability to understand and mirror the rider’s emotions. This bond creates a connection between the rider and the horse that goes beyond words.
“The horses immediately know if the individual’s demeanor is different. They respond to the kids differently than they do to others,” Tennyson said. “It brings tears to your eyes to see.”
Equine therapy helps people with cognitive and behavioral disabilities build a sense of self-worth. The interaction with the horses also helps to build trust, increases socialization skills and helps to stop the feeling of isolation that many special-needs individuals experience.
One reason behind the success of equine therapy is that a horse moves in sync with the rider’s body. The movement is similar to the human gait. Riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in strength, balance and flexibility as a result of riding. In addition, horseback riding also provides an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors.
This year, the “Special People … Special Horses” event took place on Sept. 12 and 13. Lunch and drinks were provided by LASSO. The riders were not the only ones who enjoyed the outing. According to Tennyson, there are three volunteers assigned to each rider for safety.
Photo courtesy Nancy Crouse
Riders and volunteers enjoy a beautiful summer day at the “Special People … Special Horses” annual event put on by LASSO (Large Animal Southwestern Support Organization) Sept. 12 and 13. The event pairs special-needs individuals with volunteers and horses for equine therapy.
“There are three adults per horse. Someone is leading the horse and two people are on either side to help with balance,” Tennyson said.
Tennyson said LASSO has captured the interest of the schools in the area and school children regularly visit the rescue facility.
Looking ahead, the next program Tennyson said she would like to see LASSO become involved with would be working with veterans. According to Tennyson, veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) would also benefit from equine therapy. “The horses are calming and soothing,” Tennyson said.
LASSO currently has over a score of horses that they care for. “We have 20-plus horses, two burros and, up until last week, a cow that we take care of. It is a lot of work,” Tennyson said.
“The problem now is the weather turning colder and getting volunteers. Lots of our volunteers are seasonal. The one thing we need is donations and foster homes for the horses,” Tennyson said.
The cost of caring for a horse or other large animal can be expensive. An average horse that weighs around 1,000 pounds can eat up to 20 pounds of feed per day. The feed can be a combination of hay, grain or pasture fodder. The cost of putting a horse on pasture for a month is around $60 for each animal, Tennyson said.
Educational programs are another vital part of what LASSO does to help ensure the safety and welfare of the large animals. The educational programs are in place to help animal owners understand the intricacies and responsibilities that are inherent in caring for an animal, as well as the negative impact on the animal if that care is not given accordingly.
If an animal is identified as suffering from abuse, neglect or injury, LASSO works with local and regional law enforcement agencies to provide assistance, refuge and medical treatment. When needed, LASSO will work with owners to provide shelter and care for their animals. The organization also assists in finding permanent homes for animals that have been rehabilitated and have been surrendered to LASSO.
“A girlfriend took me to an event, and I got to meet the people in the organization. I just fell in love with it,” Tennyson said.
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