LEAP Success Stories

In 2007, LEAP treated over 50 patients and families. Some have "graduated" and some are still in treatment. Each of our patients has emotional traumas that we are working with them to overcome. Through their hard work and with the unique benefits of equine-assisted psychotherapy, they are all making wonderful progress. We would like to share a few of their successes with you....

An 11 year old boy came to LEAP so painfully shy that he had no friends. He found it difficult to function in school due to his self-consciousness. Frequently he had violent outbursts that further alienated him from his classmates.

After 4 LEAP sessions Brian was playing soccer on a neighborhood team.

Over the next 6 months his concentration, ability to manage his feelings and deal with them appropriately improved dramatically, as did his grades.

Brian has a whole new outlook on the world - not a scary, threatening place - but a world of wonder and potential.

Shante, a 12 year old girl, came to LEAP after several hospitalizations following suicide attempts. She carried a major psychiatric diagnosis and had not made progress in past therapies due to her profound distrust of others.

She immediately bonded with a ‘rescue’ horse and her desire to help him develop trust enabled her to look at the painful aspects of her own past that kept her at risk.

She is now excelling in school and is excited about her future in a technical field.

Adam is a 14 year old male diagnosed with ADHD. He had difficulty focusing his attention in school and at home. He was disruptive in the classroom. Hyperactive, impulsive, frequently fighting. Defiant and uncooperative.

Adam was paired with a therapy horse that could be flighty and difficult if not handled with a calm, cool hand. As Adam learned to work effectively with Sammy, his aggressive behavior diminished quickly.

Now he has the skills and resources to be a positive member of his school and family instead of a disruptive influence.

Maggie and Ellie are adolescent sisters who were removed from their home due to maternal abuse and neglect. Maggie was significantly depressed and Ellie was defiant and aggressive.

Their work with the LEAP therapists and horses helped them deal with the pain of their past, and allowed them to identify their strengths and potential.

They are now looking toward the future with hope and enthusiasm.

Please note: to protect the privacy of our patients, the names and photographs of the children are representative only.