TAILS FROM WINDY
ACRES
Fall 2008
Tails from Windy Acres is published quarterly at
Animals as721
Natural
Therapy
Van Wyck Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226-8789
Volume Vlll, Issue 3
Quarterly
Animals as Natural Therapy
Thanks You for it’s Tenth Year of
Healing Hearts with Horses
By Sonja Wingard
I slowly lower myself down onto the bench of the picnic
table. I watch as darkness overtakes the day. All the
leaves have left the willow tree that shades day camp
activities in the summer. The last After School group has
just left at the close of fall season. The evening star is in
the west and darkness descends.
“Ok, so you have 2 more minutes on your horses, what
do you want to do?” is the last thing I say. “Round the
world” comes the answer immediately. So before
dismounting they want to perform the act of ultimate
trust, where they let go of the reins, ask the horse to be
still, while they turn 360 degrees around on their horses‟
backs keeping their seats in the saddle or on the bareback
pad. Some kids move slowly, others nearly spin as they
are used to this exercise and have confidence in their own
balance and their horse‟s ability to be still and keep them
safe. They all want to do it except the boy, whose family
is splitting up this week. He is not that trustworthy yet, of
his horse, or of his life. This is totally expected with him
only having been here four weeks so far. He has learned
trust is not just given to anyone, even your horse. It will
take time to develop.
After I finish the evening feeding, I stand in the darkness
looking at each horse in our herd as they eagerly munch
their hay. My heart is brimming with such appreciation I
can barely hold it. Each horse brings their own very
unique gifts to the program. Just like the youth we
serve and the incredibly wonderful volunteers who
mentor them!
Last week, a boy who has been living in foster care for
the past 7 years tells us his horse Mocha has taught him
how it is ok and even necessary to feel your feelings and
to verbalize those feelings. Those of you who know
Mocha, know that if you are not aware of your feelings
when in his presence he will lay his ears back and stomp
or nip until you get honest about how you are doing. Only
the brave go there. Last year this boy learned to trust
with Thunder who is so gentle and easy. This year was a
new challenge with a new horse. The boy was ready for a
harder lesson…discovering and accepting his feelings.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
From the Director…
Notes from our Therapist and Japan
Notes from Roz, instructor & Jen, Past WWU Volunteer
Life’s Little Obstacles
Great Things Happening
Celebrating 10 Years of ANT
Therapeutic Riding Spreads its Wings
Upcoming Events
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5
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Upcoming Events
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So a horse invites you to feel your feelings, no matter
how uncomfortable they are. Big feelings give us
important information about what we need.
As I reflect, I think of how Patriot was so abused in his
past „lives‟: preparing for the Tennessee Walking show
world on the east coast and again when he became
emaciated from neglect. He calls out to the most
wounded souls as they pour out their pain in his nonjudgmental presence. Rusty is so huge and can be an
arrogant thoroughbred, but he lowers his head for the
tender kisses of a ten year old boy who has so much
love to share with him. Moonshadow offers a challenge
to anyone who wants to be her leader; they must be
honest and step up to the plate. Sundance says you can
be her leader only if you are assertive, but if you step
over into aggression she shuts down and suddenly
become 1100 pounds of non-cooperative refusal. Sucia
offers her soft muzzle to an abused (and ultimately
abusive) boy, as he softly mentions he has kissed her
four times today. Jazi is full of haughty Arab energy
but buttery soft once you get on her. Little miniature
Toby is for those who are usually afraid and don‟t want
to be here and need something small to start with. And
new mustang Brego tells you, you must go very slowly,
keep it simple, and invite him tenderly to play.
This is such a safe place. People who come here can let
out incredible pain that they‟ve been holding onto for so
long. They are given a chance to feel safe as they hold a
bunny or are held by a horse‟s breath. Then they share
with our loving and non-judgmental therapist Leola who
puts aside all agendas to BE WITH. A co-creation of
healing happens.
Horses have a way of seeing into the heart and soul
of a person and accepting and healing what they
find.
Tails from Windy Acres, Fall 2008
Notes from Our Therapist
By Leola Adams
Dear friends,
Fall is such a reflective time for me. I marvel at the
gorgeous colors that this season brings. It is difficult to
believe that it is now two years ago that I moved from
Alaska so that I could become involved with the
miraculous work that takes place on Windy Acres Farm.
I would like to share one of the first stories that I wrote
shortly after I arrived. The child’s name in this story has
been changed to protect her identity. I share this vignette
with you in hopes that it will continue to illuminate the
light, love, and healing that ANT provides to so many.
I wish all of you a bountiful fall season,
Leola
SUCIA’S GIFT
Sandra was a child who opened her heart to the wisdom
and wonders of a horse named Sucia. Deeply connected
to this animal, she wept bitter tears onto Sucia’s neck
and in emotional release she hugged her horse for
comfort, stability and calming. Sucia, sensing Sandra’s
distress, stood absolutely still, not moving a muscle. She
provided solid grounding, an anchor of warmth and
containment as Sandra’s tears flow outward from her
heart of sorrow. Sucia taught Sandra that it was safe to
feel the emotional pain and that she can express and
release it. Sucia teaches Sandra that she could be “real”
and congruent with her emotions. In assisting Sandra
with the emotional surrender of pain and grief, Sucia
offered consistency, gentleness, physical support and
warmth; a sanctuary of comfort.
This child expressed struggle and conflict in trusting
humans. This child expressed a fear of people but she
learned that she could form a relationship of trust with
her horse. It was this “gifting” from Sucia that allowed
Sandra to find the trust within her own self, and in time,
with others. She may, as she has stated, always have a
preference to be closer to animals than with those of her
own kind; however, with Sucia’s “gifting” and with
gentle encouragement and guidance from her human
facilitators, she may eventually be able to find a path to
co-exist more comfortably with her own peers and with
others.
By continuing to learn life lessons from Sucia, Sandra
gained insights into herself. She learned to problem
solve and to express her own authentic self. She learned
that she could be a non-aggressive leader; she learned
that she is important and significant. She learned that she
can trust. She learned to let go of the past and to move
into the present moment. Through life lessons from her
horse, Sucia, she learned that life affords her challenges
Page 2
and opportunities. She learned to recognize her own
talents, gifts and resources. She learns the way of others.
She learned more than I possibly could imagine or
express, as the lessons come from the heart and wisdom
of her teacher and partner, her horse, Sucia.
Postscript: In a follow up session, Sandra related that
she is practicing leadership and non-confrontational
assertiveness. She stated that she had not been bullied at
school for a week (the first time!) and that she had
mended a friendship with a girlfriend. She stated that
she was feeling happy and more confident. When I asked
her what she learned from working through her fears
regarding picking up Sucia’s hooves to clean them, she
said… “I have learned that even though something feels
impossible and I am afraid, just keep trying… just keep
at it – because eventually it can be done… anything is
possible”.
Japan hears about Animals as Natural
Therapy
August email to ANT:
My name is Atsuko Otsuka, a Japanese author. I'm
writing a book for the Japanese audience to introduce
some innovative programs in the United States which
are
aimed
at
helping
youth
at
risk.
When I visited Whatcom County juvenile court last fall,
they recommended that I should visit your organization
and learn about your powerful programs for youth.
I'm particularly interested
in
intergenerational
programs that you pair
youth and animals to visit
elders
in
nursing
facilities. That sounds
like a great program
which we may be able try
in Japan as well.
Photo taken by Atsuko
during ANT’s nursing
home visitation
September email:
During my interview by the film crew from Bent Penny
Productions, I was asked if I found ANT to be different
from the other programs that I had visited and written
about in the past.
My answer was yes, I found ANT quite special. What
makes ANT different from the other, larger programs
that I’ve seen is the warm and homelike atmosphere that
you feel as soon as you enter the Windy Acres Farm.
From my very first visit I was encouraged to sit in their
groups and share my thoughts with the young people
Tails from Windy Acres, Fall 2008
who had been participating in their programs. And I was
immediately included into their loving circle. I felt safe
and welcomed.
It is no wonder why ANT has become so successful,
particularly with young people at risk. Youth know that
nobody will judge them there. They understand that they
can be themselves. They feel safe enough to open up to
the others, and that allows their healing to begin.
The presence of the animals certainly contributes to
creating this environment, but I believe it is the people of
ANT who make it such a wonderful place. I’m quite
honored to know the staff and volunteers, and I’m truly
looking forward to working with them more closely in
the future.
I also wrote an article about ANT for the Japanese
nursing magazine. The copy will be sent to you when it's
published.
Atsuko
A note from Jen
Recent WWU Graduate and Volunteer Since 2006
Being a part of ANT has shaped my soul in ways that I
cannot fully understand. When I stepped onto this
sacred ground for the first time, I was timid and full of
anxiety. I had no clue how I was going to help these
kids at day camp learn about horses when I knew
nothing myself. I just knew that I had to be there, that
all of this was part of my path. The faces, the stories,
and the courage and resilience of all of those kids at day
camp and Visions girls (teens in recovery) will not soon
leave me.
I am constantly humbled by their
breakthroughs and introspection. It has provided me with
tremendous faith in the good of humanity and the impact
that a few can have on many.
Page 3
A Great Three Years with the ANT
Colony
By Roz Anderson, Instructor Extraordinaire
In 2005 I was brought to Animals as Natural Therapy
and gladly became one of the Worker Ants. The rewards
are not possible to list. Although I had years of horse
experience, I am still learning new things about horses
and of course people. Someone made the statement to
me “All you care about is teaching riding lessons.” The
secret I know is that horses will teach us everything we
need to know.
Take a fifty pound child (who picks the largest horse)
and teach her to guide that animal and she thinks she is
giving the horse direction but my heart knows she is
finding the courage for direction in her own life which
she will draw from many times. Take a sixty year old
woman who probably feels she is too old for most
everything, no longer a “babe” so to speak, losing
confidence about her meaning. It took the first complete
hour to get on her very patient horse. About six rides
later, that same woman is beaming with pride as she
independently “dances” with that horse.
The Dance is when both the human and the beast are in
rhythm with life and movement. It is an awesome
experience to witness and even more so to actually do.
That woman is renewed to enjoy her courage for the
present and future because of what the HORSE teaches.
Yes, I want to give riding lessons but he horses are the
true teachers. Happy trails till we meet again.
Roz and friend Jazai Star on a play day
Jenn Davis in Bryce Canyon
Tails from Windy Acres, Fall 2008
"Life's Little
Perspective
Obstacles":
A
Volunteer's
by Heather McAleer, Volunteer Mentor
This past week I observed the girls from Visions
navigate our "Life's Little Obstacles" course.
I'm always amazed by the process that takes place during
this
particular
experiential
learning
exercise.
In this activity, a group is challenged to work as a team
to lead a horse through an obstacle course of their own
creation. The difficulty lies in that the horse cannot be
touched and there is no speaking allowed during the
activity. As a team, before the activity begins, the group
decides on the design of the obstacle course as well as
how they might successfully coax the horse through it.
Sound easy? Think again!
Not only is this an exercise in teamwork, but also an
exercise in frustration! Frustration with a horse that
won't do exactly as you would like, and with team
members who may not agree on how best to get the job
done.
In our lives, we all have expectations of how we'd like
things to happen. What do we do when things don't go as
planned? Do we give up? Do we let our emotions of
anger, frustration, and disappointment take over and
cloud our ability to problem solve? Do we act out? Hold
it all in? Or...do we meet our challenges by being
flexible in our approach, and modify our goals and
expectations for ourselves and others? Easier said than
done, right?
Page 4
of pride and accomplishment, and sharing in success as
well as failure.
As a volunteer, the temptation to "jump in" and give
advice has been great. It can be difficult at times to
watch the learning process unfold. But by allowing the
girls to learn through trial and error, in a safe nonjudgmental environment, it affords them the opportunity
to experience a sense of pride and accomplishment that
would otherwise be denied if the staff and volunteers
were to jump in and help at any turning point.
I have been volunteering for a little over a year now. It
has been an honor to be able to witness and participate in
the amazing life changing work that takes place at ANT
on a weekly basis. I am always impressed by the
dedication and compassion of the staff and volunteers of
ANT. I am continually inspired by them as well as the
girls from Visions who continue to overcome their fears.
I look forward to continuing as a volunteer in this
important healing work that most certainly enriches my
life, and so many others.
A Take Home Lesson from "Life's Little Obstacles":
*When we are aware of our feelings and do what we
need to do to take care of our needs as they arise, we
have the flexibility to adjust our expectations for
ourselves and others. Obstacles can be overcome!
The obstacles we face in our lives can seem
insurmountable at times. Coping with the stresses we
feel when dealing with these obstacles can be quite
challenging. Learning healthy and productive ways to
deal with these stresses can be life changing, especially
for someone dealing with addiction.
So...back to the horse! This seemingly simple task of
"getting a horse through an obstacle course" can teach
participants so many profound life lessons. I have seen
many different groups participate in this exercise this
year. And every group, regardless of the outcome of the
exercise, have been able to arrive at the most amazing
insights about themselves as a result of this exercise. I
believe this is what makes ANT’s work so powerful, not
just the amazing animals, staff, and volunteers, but the
way in which these experiential learning exercises, like
"Life's Little Obstacles," shed light on the parts of
ourselves in need of understanding and awareness. Just
some of the lessons this one exercise can teach are, stress
management, flexibility, creative problem solving,
working as a team, patience, perseverance, respectful
communication, negotiating with others, feeling a sense
Another team work exercise is Temptation Ally,
where one must choose a strong supportive
team to help the horse resist the temptations of
food, a highly effective metaphor for the youth
needing to resist the temptation of drugs and
alcohol. One’s success depends on who they
choose to support them and how strong and
experienced they are and how seriously they
take the job. Thunder, above, takes it very
seriously.
Tails from Windy Acres, Fall 2008
Page 5
By Teresa Taylor, 2008 ANT Instructor
focused. She’d know if you were not. Again he asked
and again nothing has happened, he wants to cry and so
did I. This was big, this was hard and this was scary.
Here at Animals as Natural Therapy the students are
asked to mingle with the horses and choose one they’d
like to work with. A few months ago a very special boy
picked a beautiful sorrel mare with a big white stripe
down her face. Her name was Sundance. Sundance is a
very sensitive mare who needs her riders to be honest,
truthful and mean what they say.
I told him to stay focused, not to give up and to keep
asking and to really mean it. Guess what. Sundance
stepped forward, we both grinned, high fived and
quickly refocused. Sundance and our boy were
becoming a team, listening and talking to each other.
What a sight! He asked her again to walk and this time
she stepped forward and continued walking.
Her new rider was a young boy, sweet, charming and
quiet, maybe even a bit shy at times. He could be
tentative when asking for what he wanted and needs and
Sundance questioned him all the time. She was so big
and he is so much smaller that at times the difference
could be overwhelming for our boy.
Tears were now rolling down my cheeks. So much pride,
so much difficulty, so much courage, so much anxiety,
so much accomplishment. This was a day we will both
not forget any time soon. It has taken this young man a
whole hour to get his horse to walk three times around
the arena on his own.
He’d been riding each week for a few months now and
loved it, but needed so much help with every detail until
one day a few weeks before. Class had started that day;
Sundance was tied to the hitching rail and happy with
every step of the process, no cranky ears or reaching to
possibly nip. All was well in his leading into the arena
and taking a few warm up laps while making a
commitment to Sundance to take care of her no matter
what and asking her to do the same. It was now time to
mount (get on) and that went without a hitch.
When done he asked me why I was crying. I told him it
was because today he became a leader, he learned to ask
for what he really wanted and he got it. Before he
dismounted I asked him if he wanted to thank Sundance
and give her a pat. He took a deep breath and released it,
thanking her for all she had given him. Sundance, too,
took a deep breath and released it, relaxing under his pat
of thanks. You could almost see in her eyes, as the
lesson finished, that it was all she could do not to move.
She knew that’s what he wanted but needed to wait for
him to be sure it was what he really wanted.
Great Things Happen at the Farm
With things going so great for both the rider and horse I
made the decision not to lead them both during the
lesson today but to let the rider actually ride his horse on
his own. I stood close by for support and asked him to
give Sundance the okay to walk, he asked and she
wouldn’t move. He asked her again and nothing
happened, this went on for five minutes or longer and
our rider was getting frustrated and a bit teary eyed. We
took a moment to gather ourselves, as being
overwhelmed on a horse’s back could lead to trouble,
mostly to fear and concern on the horses part.
We all have lessons to learn and today’s was about
overcoming fears, speaking from your heart, meaning
what you say, and asking for what you really want.
When a person can do that, all these things, anything is
possible, including riding a very big horse for the first
time all by yourself.
Life is good. I am so grateful to have shared in such an
important session.
We talked about making his commitment to take care of
our horse, no matter what, before we got on to ride.
Could there be a chance that Sundance was unsure that
he meant what he said? We talked briefly about the
importance of really meaning what you say when you
make a big commitment like taking care of something no
matter what. Both a horse and a person will know if your
heart isn’t really meaning it.
Our young boy was getting older as he decided to tell
Sundance he really meant what he said and that he
needed her to do the same. Sundance licked her lips and
nodded her head; we all knew there was understanding.
We went back to asking her to walk and still nothing. I
told him about the importance when asking for what you
really want, to look where you want to go, and to stay
Sundance with teen friend and volunteer mentor
Dick Ward
Tails from Windy Acres, Fall 2008
Page 6
Stories Celebrating 10 Years of Animals as Natural Therapy
Life is Big
I Can Allow Myself to Feel When I Can Trust
Marie is a 14 year old teen in recovery living in a
residential treatment facility. Her second day at the
farm we are trying to teach her how to safely move
around her horse Moonshadow.
Marie says:
“But, she’s so big. I can’t go around her back end,
it’s just too scary.”
Leola, our therapist, responds:
“Life is so big, Marie.”
Marie:
“Well, maybe I can do it with my eyes closed.”
Sonja:
“No. That’s how you’ve been doing life, with your
eyes closed: using drugs and alcohol…now it is
time to open your eyes.”
When an 11-year-old boy in 7 years of foster care
started in our Youth Empowerment program he did
not speak or look at anyone. But in our appreciation
circle after his first ten weeks, he looked around at
his new circle of friends and shared:
“When working with youth we have the chance to
touch the future.”
Christa McAulliffe, teacher and astronaut on the
Space Shuttle Challenger
“I appreciate my horse Thunder because
when I first came here I didn’t trust
anyone… but Thunder trusted me.”
Learning it is safe to trust after all he had been
through is huge for his future trusting people.
Now, one year later at last week’s appreciation
circle, he said this:
“We can’t forget to appreciate our horses! I
appreciate my horse Mocha because he has
taught me that I have to share my feelings
and it is safe to do it here.”
This is so very big! It brings tears to my eyes just
to type it as I reflect on how this boy has grown.
Life Need Not Hurt
Recently we had a young person of nine, who we shall
call Dave, working with his horse Sucia. He came that
day with a groin ache from being hit by his sister with a
skateboard, possibly done intentionally. He had been
physically abused by a step parent in the past, and by
most of his “friends”. He was referred for us to help him
find new non violent ways of being in his world.
“Teaching appropriate trust is more difficult than
teaching fear, but just as important.”
Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from
Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv.
.
As we were busy brushing Sucia and getting to know
her, what did the other horses decide to do in the arena
just next to us? They started jetting around at full speed,
wheeling and turning just before running into each other,
kicking out at each other playfully but always careful to
miss contact with the others. Leola, our very astute
therapist, pointed out to the boy how much fun they
were having being wild and crazy but being careful not
to hurt one another. How did they know to time the most
exuberant play that I have witnessed in months for those
five minutes this boy was watching? To let him see big
majestic powerful creatures at play, but careful not to
hurt. Why does he have to take hurt from those close to
him?
Rusty Hugs Todd age 10
Tails from Windy Acres, Fall 2008
ANT’s Work 1999 to 2008
What has Animals as Natural Therapy accomplished
over the past ten years? We started in 1999 with a
budget of $7,000 a year and served 12 youth that year
who were referred by Catholic Community Services,
neighbors, teachers, and a psychiatric residential facility.
In 2008
ANT served
192 youth in Youth Empowerment Programs
40 youth in Substance Abuse Recovery Programs
14 Youth & Adults in Equine Facilitated
Psychotherapy
Total of 11,226 therapeutic hours
75 elders in our Intergenerational programs
Total of 575 friendship building hours
All on a budget of $147,000
Volunteer hours 6,450 valued at $116,100
We have made great headway in developing sustainable
funding. Despite these unstable economic times, our
Healing Hearts Breakfast in October made great progress
towards ANT‟s financial future, thanks to an incredibly
generous community.
We had only a handful of pledged monthly and yearly
donors before this, but now we have 18 monthly & 7
yearly donors. And we have the feed and vet costs of
five of our ten therapy horses sponsored at $1200 each
per year. If you are donating monthly or yearly via your
work place through United Way, or the Combined Fund
Drive, please contact us by phone, email, or US mail so
we can be sure we are receiving and acknowledging your
gift.
Why is sustainable funding so very important for the
work of Animals as Natural Therapy? People ask why
we can‟t just rely on grants or, better yet, the
government for funding as we are keeping kids out of
detention institutions and prisons. Well, it is not that
simple. Grants are often specified for new programs.
When you have proven programs, such as ANT‟s New
Horizons Program for teen women in recovery who live
in a local residential facility (SeaMar Visions Treatment
Center), changing lives for 6 ½ years now, it is harder to
fund with grants. We first started this partnership with a
United Way grant. This program has significantly
impacted over 200 teen women who are living all over
the state. Once the efficacy of a program is proven,
grantors expect the local community to come forward
and provide funding. We have found friends from as far
away as Minnesota and the east coast to provide some of
this funding.
Page 7
Thanks to your generosity and foresight, ANT is
a viable and powerful force for change in our
area. And the horizon is broadening.
“Life‟s most persistent and urgent
question is,
„What are you doing for others?‟”
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Animals as Natural Therapy
721 Van Wyck Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone/FAX: (360) 671-3509
www.animalsasnaturaltherapy.org
2009 Board of Directors
Jasmine Minbashian Terri Plake
Carletta Vanderbilt
Anne Brand
Kira Derhgawen
Amanda Howe
Bryn Palmgren
Executive Director: Sonja Wingard
[email protected]
Mental Health Therapist: Leola Adams
Office Assistant: Bryn Palmgren,
[email protected]
Bookkeeper: Judy Taylor
Riding Instructors:
Roz Anderson, Sonja Wingard, Anne Atkeson
New Riding Instructors:
Bryn Palmgren, Amanda Howe and Amy Schilder,
Terri Plake
(2008 Teresa Taylor)
ANT’s Impact Grows
Japan
Atsuko, (see article on page 3) is involved with Japan‟s
new prison system that wishes to utilize horses for part
of the rehabilitation of their inmates. While visiting here
at Animals as Natural Therapy this summer she also
visited Colorado with other members of the planning
team. They have requested to use Animals as Natural
Therapy‟s lesson plans for their work with the inmates!
Orcas Island
I am writing in hopes of being able to use ANT as a
model for a new program I am working on. I live on
Orcas Island on a 700 acre farm. I just started a new job
with the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
as the Prevention Coordinator/Youth Advocate. I am
very interested in starting a small program working with
youth and horses to build communication skills, learn
about healthy relationships, trust and respect. (Basically
everything I learned at ANT).
Laura Trevelyan
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
BELLINGHAM WA
PERMIT NO. 117
Animals as Natural Therapy
721 Van Wyck Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
We’re on the Web!
Visit us at:
www.animalsasnaturaltherapy.org
PRINTING DONATED BY OFFICE MAX
Blessing of the Animals & Open House
12-3 p.m.
THANK YOU ALL FOR
ANT’s SUCCESSES in 2008
March 7th 2009 Saturday
Windy Acres Farm
40 Youth in Substance Abuse Recovery
Parking at Donette’s Photography
Studio 4165 Hannegan Road,
free van shuttle to the farm
Limited on-site parking
More information can be found at:
www.animalsasnaturaltherapy.org
14 Youth & Adults in Equine Facilitated
Psychotherapy
A Time to Honor the Contributions
of our Amazing Animals
Total of 11,226 therapeutic hours
Join Us For our
Blessing of the Animals
192 Youth in Youth Empowerment
Total of 575 friendship building hours with
Elders in our Intergenerational Program
All on a budget of $147,000
Volunteer hours 6,450 valued at $116,100