WINDHOEK, Namibia (AP) — Susan de Meyer runs an innovative program called "Enabling Through the Horse" in Namibia, where she uses the gentle nature of horses to assist children with learning disabilities and conditions such as ADHD and autism. Her approach aims to create a therapeutic environment that fosters communication and emotional bonding among children who often find social interactions challenging.
Each weekday morning, de Meyer welcomes a group of eight to ten children from special schools to her paddock just outside Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. The children engage with the horses through riding, grooming, and simply spending time with them. De Meyer emphasizes that horses, known for their nonjudgmental demeanor, provide unique companionship for these kids, allowing them a safe space to express themselves.
According to de Meyer, the impact of horse therapy on children can be profound. Hyperactive children learn to manage their energy levels by being calmer around horses, while nonverbal children are often inspired to communicate and connect. De Meyer notes, "The horse is the hero in this whole situation because these kids don’t want to be around a lot of people." The program has garnered attention for highlighting the innate qualities of horses and their ability to sense what children need.
Supported by the Namibian Equestrian Federation, de Meyer’s program received an award from the International Equestrian Federation last year, recognizing its effective use of horses in therapy. Animal therapy, particularly with horses, has been increasingly recognized by autism organizations and those working with children facing learning difficulties as a method that yields positive results. The benefits of animal therapy extend beyond horses; various animal assistance programs, including therapy dogs and cats, have proven to help individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and even military veterans dealing with PTSD.
In particular, de Meyer’s program has been valuable for children with a range of conditions, such as Down syndrome and fetal alcohol syndrome. She humorously refers to her group of horses as having "two-and-a-half" horses, including two Arabians—Faranah and Lansha—and a miniature horse named Bonzi. The size of the Arabians often becomes a crucial element in therapy, as their stature can enhance the children's self-esteem. De Meyer explains that when children stroke these large animals, they experience a sense of empowerment, building their confidence to ride and communicate their desires.
Feedback from local educators, such as Chriszell Louw from Dagbreek School—one of only two government schools in Namibia for children with intellectual disabilities—highlights the program's success. Louw shares meaningful anecdotes about how children have shown remarkable changes in behavior, becoming more open and attentive during therapy sessions. "Some of them you see they are more open; they are happy," she notes. Others who previously exhibited fear towards horses have transformed into eager participants, excitedly anticipating their visits.
De Meyer’s activities also focus on developing critical motor skills essential for school performance, such as fine and gross motor skills, coordination, balance, and posture. One notable exercise involves having the children take their hands off the reins while riding, requiring them to balance using their core and legs. This exercise often results in joyful responses, with the children breaking out in smiles as they feel the freedom of momentarily soaring atop the horse.
De Meyer affirms her mission, stating, "We make the world different for these kids." The success of her program has sparked interest from regions in African and Asian countries to replicate its model, indicating positive shifts in the perception and support for children with disabilities through animal-assisted therapy.
