12/07/2025
🌟 Horses and Kids with Different Abilities: Building Connection in Many Ways 🦄
If you’re the parent of a child with different abilities, you might wonder if spending time with horses is right for them. It’s natural to feel hesitant about trying something new but I want to share why horses so often connect so beautifully with kids of all kinds and why this work is so close to my heart 💖
I’ve had the privilege of working with many kids with different abilities over the years. One of the most surprising and wonderful things I’ve seen is how naturally horses seem to meet them exactly where they are.
I remember one child in particular who had a lot of extra energy and loved to move—she’d often jump up and down and flap her arms when she was excited or overwhelmed. It was just part of how she processed the world. But when she was with the horse? She didn’t do it—not once.
All that energy, that need to move and self-soothe, seemed to settle into the rhythm of the horse’s movement, even when she was just brushing or leading him. She focused calmly and connected fully. No one told her to change. The horse just accepted her.
I’ve seen moments like that again and again. Horses don’t judge. They don’t expect words or explanations. They just listen in their own way.
What I love most about working with horses and kids with different abilities is how flexible and personal it can be. It’s not just about riding. It can be:
🐴 Groundwork – leading the horse, learning body language, building trust from the ground up.
🐴 Grooming – brushing, bonding, learning to care for another being with patience and empathy.
🐴 Feeding and Barn Care – simple, hands-on tasks that teach responsibility and pride.
🐴 Quiet Companionship – sometimes just being near a horse, watching and listening, is enough.
For many kids, the horse’s calm, predictable presence is grounding. The sensory input from brushing or leading can help with focus and regulation. The work of caring for a horse builds real confidence🙌 kids see that they can do meaningful things, at their own pace, in their own way.
And perhaps most importantly🦄 horses don’t care about labels, diagnoses or expectations. They care about trust, calm, and intention. They respond to energy and honesty. That makes them incredible partners for kids who are often asked to adapt to a world that doesn’t always meet them halfway.
I know trying something new can feel scary. Parents often worry 😬…will this be too much? Will my child be able to do it? My answer is always: let’s just see.
I focus on creating a space where your child and the horse can communicate what they need. We can always adjust, slow down, or simplify as we go.
If you’ve ever wondered whether horse time might be right for your child, please reach out. I’d love to talk with you, hear your hopes and concerns, share more stories and see if this might be a good fit. Horses have an amazing way of helping kids discover what they’re capable of 🥰sometimes in ways none of us expect.
Lori Harmon
Equestrian Manager
Pine Mountain Club
