Blake came to YBGR very insecure and was often picked on by his peers. He struggled to focus on his own treatment because he was so concerned with what others were thinking of him. Blake spoke openly with his therapist about how hard working on his treatment was when he felt like, everywhere he goes, nobody likes him and how he doesn’t feel “chosen” by anyone… ever.
At the recommendation of his therapist, Blake went to Equine Therapy (ET) one day, even though he had no idea what it was. As Mackenzie, the Equine Specialist, introduced him to the horses, he noticed a much smaller horse in a pen with one other horse. They were separated from the rest herd. He asked if he could meet her and so they went in the pen with Presley, the 9-month-old filly, and Sophie Sue, one of the YBGR mares. Mackenzie explained that Presley was new and not used to people yet, and as they talked, Presley walked up to Blake and waited for him to scratch her. He later shared with Mackenzie that, in that moment, for the first time, Blake felt “chosen.”
Equine therapy continues to help Blake with his confidence and has been an integral part in him making progress with his treatment.
*For the privacy of the youth served at the Ranch, names have been changed. Image(s) shown here are a representation of those served at the Ranch.
