PET has been a blessing to our family. Our son, Jeep, has been riding at PET since the age of 3. The staff is such a gift, having an incredible aptitude for working with all abilities. They always know what Jeep needs the most from each lesson and how to keep him engaged. We are thankful for the kind and patient horses - for the positive impact they have on so many families. PET has been an excellent source of physical activity, social skills, and the opportunity to grow in his riding. Riding has helped Jeep with his balance, communication, and awareness of his surroundings. He is learning responsibility and has a sport he can continue to progress in. Being able to be independent at the barn has given him confidence in other environments. As parents, we love the inclusive atmosphere where our child never feels "different" or "less than." We are forever grateful.

~ Jonathan & Christen

Thornwell has partnered with the Palmetto Equestrian Therapeutic Riding Program for many years. Children in our residential program participate in the equine program voluntarily. The children that participate are in our attachment-based residential care program where they are learning how to create and maintain healthy attachments with their parents or caregivers. These services help the children to approach and attach to the horses. This seems like such a small task; but for children who don't trust people, it may be their first step in trusting. To gain confidence in trusting a horse, a child must be patient with themselves and get to know the horse before horse will be accepting of their care. Grooming a horse is providing care. The PET program has provided our children with the opportunity to give and recieve care, thus allowing them to begin a process of renewal. The skills they learn in the PET program transfer to their interactions with people.

One young lady who has been in the program for a few years has blossomed - learned confidence in her abilities and how to speak up for herself. For some of our children with attention deficits, we have seen them learn how to focus on their tasks, be mindful of their actions and movements, and approach their horse in a calm manner. For children with severe trauma, the PET program has provided an atmospheree of safety and fun. This program has been life changing and is a great compliment to the work we do to try to help children heal.

~ Katie Brophy (Sr. Director of Clinical Services, Thornwell)

Please contact us with any questions or if you would like to schedule a barn visit.