BY JEANA DURST
Imagine watching your son struggle with normal
bodily movements and stiff muscles that come
with cerebral palsy. How must this child learn to
about the young girl who was a victim of assault
and now carries harrowing invisible scars? What
kinds of special needs does she have?
The Red Barn, founded in 2012 by Joy O’Neal,
is treating these kids through an innovative
program that combines equine assisted therapy,
education about horses, the love of riding and
a supportive community at their picturesque
33-acre barn setting in Leeds. Therapists and
staff here treat a range of
disabilities and challenges,
such as autism, cerebral
palsy, orthopedic pathologies,
post-traumatic stress disorder,
eating disorders, depression,
RAD (reactive attachment
disorder), and this is only a
partial list. Though the needs
are broad, the one common
denominator is the horse—it’s
through the work with them
that kids gain a sense of belonging and gain a safe
place to grow and learn. “Lots of different pieces,
There is a symbiotic relationship between the
animals and the children. While the children focus
on the joy of riding, that love is then returned by
the animal. “When they are focused on the horses,
it’s like those little therapeutic moments really open
up,” O’Neal says.
As I toured the campus with O’Neal, she
explained how they have grown: What started with
two horses and three students has grown to 18
horses and 100 students a week (while the focus is
primarily children, they do serve a few adults.)
On our walk, we pass demonstration stalls
inside the barn that educate and simulate riding
experiences with activities like “Harry the Home
Horse,” which helps kids with balance issues.
There’s a tack room where children learn about
putting together bridles and different kinds of
stirrups. On the grounds are also riding trails
equipped with therapeutic activities, a pond, a host
of petting-zoo-variety animals, a grief garden,
picnic areas, outdoor arenas, indoor arenas, a
pavilion for camp education, and, yes, a red barn.
28 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com
It’s when we stop at the
small red barn that O’Neal
describes why she started the
organization.
Her family friend, Ms.
Cowart’s daughter was killed
in a car accident in the 1960s.
“All of her daughter’s friends
kept coming to the house to
visit because they wanted to
work with her horses,” O’Neal
explains. As Ms. Cowart
struggled with the anger of grief, she transformed
her pain into something beautiful, teaching her new
extended family of “daughters” about horses and
riding. O’Neal visited Ms. Cowart’s barn herself, and
the power of this healing experience stuck with her.
As we talked, I couldn’t help but think about how
O’Neal was carrying on this legacy. And not just for
the children she serves. That day, I met an expert
farrier and a host of dedicated team members and
volunteers who do the strenuous work of running
a horse ranch—many of them former interns who
O’Neal has mentored and watched grow up. The
Red Barn is a true community. By the time I left, I
was sure that faith, hope and love weren’t just words
in their slogan; they were values alive and in action at
The Red Barn.
FAITH, HOPE, LOVE … and horses
The Red Barn is treating kids with
physical, cognitive and emotional
disabilities using equine therapy
HOW TO HELP
Red Barn offers lessons, camps, and customized
programs. Donations go toward scholarships
for children from low-income families. Visit
theredbarn.org for more information.
/theredbarn.org
link