Providing for Equine Therapy
Abilene is the healthcare center for a 22-county area known as the Texas Midwest, where equine therapy is needed. To meet the needs of our students and community, HSU plans to build an equine therapy center to provide therapy to people with emotional, learning, and physical disabilities, including children receiving therapy for autism through HSU’s Houston-Lantrip Center for Literacy and Learning. Hardin-Simmons University has a well-known equestrian program and top-rated Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant programs where students will work alongside professionals to aid those in need through equine therapy. Graduate students in Human Development, Special Education, and Counseling will also receive this specialized training.
We will achieve our goals by utilizing our Six White Horses program, begun in the late 1920s. In the United States, Europe, Canada and beyond, the image brought to mind by the mention of Hardin-Simmons University is that of Western-style riders on White Horses. The Six White Horses have performed for millions in parades, rodeos and at many other public functions. While thousands see the horses at many public functions throughout the year, an important part of their work is visiting the area elementary schools. Each year, more than 15,000 children have the opportunity to sit on a White Horse. This opportunity has further developed an awareness of the program and a love for the Horses by children in the Big Country. “Doc” Beazley’s books, depicting the life of each horse, are an important part of many children’s treasures.
