Journey of Hope 4 Autism Equine Assisted Services (EAS)
We offer programs to everyone with  Mental Health, human development, and healing needs but we specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

    We at Journey of Hope want to give the gift of horses to children on the Autism Spectrum and children with disabilities alike. Horses are a special gift from God and so are our children.   
    
     Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disorder that affects the development of the brain, particularly in the areas of communication and social interaction. The cause is unknown.   
    
     Statistics show that 1 in every 66 children has Autism.  Of those, I of 5 is a girl and 4 are boys.  So, on average, 75 children per day are born with Autism - 15 are girls and 60 are boys.
    
     Equines are therapeutic because it helps improve circulation in the child's muscles and helps in control, coordination, patience and listening. It is also effective in building relationships between horse and rider, both mentally and physically.

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My grandson is autistic and he does not well speak.  He can be quite rambunctious at times; however, when he is with the horses, he is quiet, patient, and loving. He pets the horses and grooms them. He walks along beside them and waits for his turn to ride. When he is riding, he smiles from ear to ear.  He does not talk, yet the movement of the horse and the joy he gets just being with them make him so happy. That is why I started this farm. I had the pony " Jillian" and I had a cause. So why not!!



Jillian and Sylas

Equines give autistic children a sense of themselves and  their bodies; it increases contact and interaction as well.

Why Horses?

    Horses have a lot in common with ASD. They have a fright-flight-fear reaction, as do our ASD children.  Horses mirror our inner personality. Horses need leadership and socialization.  Horses use non-verbal communication among the herd.

    Most importantly, Journey of Hope Equine Assisted Services helps a child concentrate on one task at a time and follow through rather than doing everything at once.  Children learn to problem solve and achieve results.

Not for Profit Organization


    Horses are companion animals that look to their handler for direction. They respond to the slightest movement or touch. Horses can tell what is on their handler's mind and whether they are angry, sad,  tense or happy.  Horses are not judgmental and are understanding of one's needs and wants.   The trust and love horses give help create a bond with the handlers that encourages communication and interaction.
   
    Autistic children learn to communicate verbally and physically with the horses. Children realize their commands elicit a reaction. They focus on something outside themselves and learn to communicate with the instructor, handler, horse and family members.  They also  learn to respond to cues and complete tasks which give the horses exercise and fulfillment.  Children with Autism learn to connect with the horse and build a relationship that can be rewarding and life- changing.
 

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Jillian is an 15 year-old Pinto. She loves kids and loves being around people. Her purpose in life is to help others with Autism and she loves her job!  She has not met a person she didn't like and who did not like her great puppy-dog personality and warm kisses. Kids make her happy, and she makes them happy whether it be a photo shoot at the fence or a quiet ride along the farm.



Jillian and Camaren

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Children From RAIN enjoying the day with Jillian
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GIGI becoming a great horse handler as Nicholas enjoys riding the pony, Jillian

                                        Dakota and some of his adventures..... You can see more of pictures of Dakota and the other horses on our face book page.

We at Journey of Hope are committed to offering services to people of any age and ability. Many children in our community have discovered the joy of horses. We attempt to offer programs to anyone who shows an interest in or a need for our services.        Programs Click here

As a non-profit organization, we need your support to help us maintain our "staff" of horses. Your involvement can help us achieve our goals and brighten the lives of the people we serve.

                        We are a proud sponsor of Anti-Bullying

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We are offering our farm and animals for those who have been bullied. Bring your friend, child, or self out to the barn and get some great love from all the animals at the barn. There will be no unkind words, no judgments, no teasing--just plain unconditional love and an unlimited supply of hugs and kisses for one and all. 
                           We have some great programs, too!
                                 
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