Nemours Children’s Health Partners with NFSSE for Equine Therapy

Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville has formed a partnership with the North Florida School of Special Education (NFSSE) to introduce equine therapy for children involved in animal-assisted therapy. This initiative will involve miniature horses from NFSSE’s Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center visiting Nemours Children’s on a regular basis, enhancing the therapeutic experience for young patients.

The collaboration aims to integrate equine-assisted activities into Nemours’ existing Assisted Dog and Pony Therapy program. This program is designed to support children with chronic medical conditions through the benefits of animal interaction. According to a news release from Nemours, the partnership guarantees consistent access to trained therapy horses and handlers, ensuring both therapeutic continuity and safety for the children involved.

Equine therapy has been shown to provide various benefits, including improved emotional well-being, social skills, and physical coordination. The partnership not only focuses on the therapeutic aspects for children receiving care at Nemours but also allows NFSSE students to participate actively, fostering a community-oriented approach to care.

To further support the program, the Rotary Club of East Arlington has donated a specially designed miniature horse trailer to NFSSE. This valuable resource will facilitate the transportation of therapy horses from the equestrian center to Nemours Children’s, thereby broadening the reach of the program and enabling more children in the community to benefit from equine therapy.

As the program is set to roll out in the coming months, both organizations are optimistic about the positive impact this initiative will have on children and families in Jacksonville. The integration of equine therapy into existing therapeutic programs illustrates a commitment to innovative, inclusive care for those with special needs.

The partnership represents a significant step in enhancing animal-assisted therapy options in the region, ensuring that children have access to therapeutic activities that can contribute to their overall health and happiness.