What is it About the Outside of a Horse

That's So Good for the Inside of a Human?

Back in the beginning of my husband’s practice, I answered the phone and scheduled appointments. I got to know many of his clients. After 25 years, I was able to leave that position to pursue my own dreams. Bumping into old clients or seeing them on Facebook, learning how their stories have unfolded is a storyteller’s dream.

Rebecca (Reba) Ray was a young teacher who later worked with the 4-H office, when we first met. She was always calm and quiet; a quality I noticed in true horse people.

Over the last 10 years or so, a lot has changed in her life. She now adds realtor, wife and mother to her resume. Her two youngest are 4 years (Peyton) and 6 years old, (Colt) keeping her very busy.

I loved looking at pictures of these little guys over the last few years and then I started seeing her share a new account: ‘Peyton’s Place at the Seven Rays Ranch.’ These posts piqued my curiosity so I messaged her to see if I could come out and see the place in person and talk to her to learn more about her vision.

Rebecca’s youngest son, Peyton was diagnosed with high-functioning Autism. Feeling the isolation that is common to special needs families, she decided to do something about it. She was discussing her desire to create something that would help children and their families deal with the challenges that they face with her husband Chad and he said, “Just start with a barn.”

That old saying, “There is just something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of man.” is true. Look at the growing number of equine assisted therapies out there. Horses don’t judge. As prey animals, they are hyper vigilant about their surroundings. They are able to pick up on the emotions of the humans that they are around.

As a lifelong owner of horses, Rebecca knew how healing farm animals can be. So, they cut 5 acres off of their farm and drew up barn plans on graph paper and let the dream begin to take shape. When I asked her why she came up with this plan, she said something that I will never forget, “I just want a place where you can take your kids and not have to say you’re sorry.”

According to the Autism Speaks website, Children with Autism might have sensitivities to Sights, Sounds, Smells, Tastes, Touch, Balance (vestibular), Awareness of body position and movement (proprioception) and Awareness of internal body cues and sensations (interoception).

Because of these sensitivities, when in public, special needs families find themselves apologizing for their child’s differences far too often: “I’m sorry they are so loud. I’m sorry for the meltdown. I’m sorry that they are touching everything.”

“There is a reason that people say that the barn is their sanctuary.” Rebecca said. Sanctuary is exactly what she envisions for the children and their families who will visit.

She’s taken great care in researching the animals who will occupy the stalls. They already have two ponies: Dolly & Belle, a Highland Steer and Cow, a cat named Sam, a pug, Haired sheep (Katahdin), 2 regular Nubian goats, 2 pigs, and a number of chickens (Silkies, Pullets & Frizzles).

Each of these animals have been selected according to their temperament. Many are at the bottom of their pecking order and are happy to be held and loved on. Touching these different animals will offer a valuable method of therapy.

Besides the animals, there will be something similar to what ‘Rock the Spectrum’ gym offers. Her plan is to have a 12 X 12 sensory area with sensory bins filled with grain, seeds, milo and busy boards.

Every idea incorporates the healing effects of the farm. There is just something about a farm. Riding along with Rebecca in her side by side, getting a tour of all of the animals made my heart rate settle into a slower rhythm. I noticed my shoulders relax.

Hundreds of years ago, the Greeks prescribed humans to be with horses to treat different maladies. Today we are at the frontier of what we know of how they can help man. However, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that the unique human-horse connection improves the physical and mental health of both species. I have a feeling that Peyton’s Place at Seven Rays Ranch will have a very bright future.