Healing Horses ....

What an awesome few days I've just experienced. I'll try to put it into words.

On Wednesday, Karen Jones (our new editor) packed an overnight bag and made our way west to Cartersville, GA. We pulled up at the gorgeous Serendipity Ranch owned by one of those "angel on earth" people Deenie McKeever.
Deenie is about the size of my 12 year old son. Just a tee-niny cowgirl. She ushered us into her home where we met Elliot, her handsome Golden Retriever. Her home over looks a giant treehouse nestled among the woods. From there you can see the mountains from which Karen and I drove from.
Along the wall that leads to the back of the house is a great collage of photos and newspaper articles, basically a visual walk thru this incredible woman's life.

Deenie's dad Dan McKeever was a pioneer in the world of prosthetics. From what I gather, Deenie got her sweet positive spirit from this man. Deenie tells us her world got turned upside down one morning while listening to Good Morning America. The guest was talking about Horses for Heroes, a program that pairs disabled veterans with horses for both physical and mental therapy.
A light bulb turned on and Deenie went to work. McKeever's First Ride was born! On Thursday June 18th, a bus load of folks in town for the The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) and the Orthotic & Prosthetic Assistance Fund (OPAF) conference came to Chastain Horse Park for this amazing event.
McKeever's first ride became a part of other clinics like First Swing (Tennis), First Swim etc. All of these programs are an effort to promote fitness among those with limb loss.
My dear friend Ed Dabney was on hand to show people and their families how to communicate with the horse, how they learn and how you ask for a response from them. (Which led me to think WOW, wouldn't it be great if everyone was introduced to horses this way!)
It was nothing short of pure magic to see these brave, wonderful souls interacting with the horses. As their minds engaged in learning about the horse and their hands glided down their powerful necks all thoughts of disability faded and the horses did what they do best ... captivate!
Those of us with horses know that in the still quiet of the morning, or in the dusk of a summer evening when you are greeted by the low soft nickers that horses can soak up your worry, your frustration and sometimes even your fear. For some of the attendees at McKeever's first ride ... a connection happened.
I know some of those people will seek out horses for not only physical therapy but for the pure joy and euphoric feelings they give.

Feeling Grateful,
Tess