By ESTHER K. SMITH
News staff writer
June 5, 2007

In a quiet bit of woods near Husum, Wash., horses work their magic on people with physical disabilities, mood disorders, behavior problems, communication needs — and people with none of the above, who just love horses.

Windwalker Ranch was opened in 2005 to offer equine therapy and recreation for just about anyone, but it specializes in services for at-risk youth and the disabled. The nonprofit, tax-exempt organization is the fulfillment of a dream for Kim Altig, of Husum, who wanted to create a place “where anyone who has experienced the intensity of life can learn to breathe, and smile again.”

Altig was inspired to build this place by the birth of her grandchild, Justus Curry, who was born in October 1998 with cerebral palsy.

“My world began to spin, with many things, but specifically the question of how would I live if I couldn’t see the mountains, feel cold water on my feet or smell the wildflowers?” she said. “It became apparent to me that if children with Justus’ challenges were to enjoy the life that I take for granted, then I was going to have to prepare the way.

“My dream was to provide outdoor experiences for those who can’t get there on their own,” Altig said. “I began with horses, because that is what I knew best. I immediately discovered equine therapy and was overwhelmed with the possibilities and the successes.”

On a recent warm spring day, 28-year-old Janell Carlson sat astride her “therapist,” Fatty Lumpkins (aka “Lumpy”), and walked around a large arena flanked by trained volunteers Christy Reichart and Doris Caldwell, who made sure she was safe and steady.

Carlson, who also has cerebral palsy, was clearly enjoying herself, but the benefits of the ride go beyond fun.

“On horseback, students can experience physical stimulus similar to walking, which increases nerve response and stimulates brain growth,” Altig said. “Riding allows challenged students to move and explore in a safe environment.”

In an article in the Spring 2007 issue of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association Inc.’s “Strides” magazine, Dr. John A. Sterba, M.D., Ph.D., reviewed the research evidence of recent studies to see whether clinicians are justified in recommending horseback riding as therapy for the gross motor rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy. Of the six studies on horseback riding therapy that made it through Sterba’s stringent screening for research design quality, five found that the therapy was effective in improving gross motor function. (The other concluded that further research was indicated.)

The instructors at Windwalker are certified and work independently or with the student’s physical or mental health professional. They are trained in therapeutic activities, equine growth and learning, liberty training, and in the care and instruction of those with disabilities.

In addition to horseback riding therapy, Windwalker Ranch offers Equine Assisted Learning, where the focus is not riding or horsemanship, but non-verbal communication between the student and the horse, promoting assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership, responsibility, teamwork, relationships, confidence and a positive attitude.

Altig said that equine assisted learning addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs, including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, and others.

“Horses mirror human behavior, often expressing through their behavior what we think is hidden in ourselves,” she said. “This allows the students to see clearly how their actions are interpreted and learn to respond differently, if needed, to achieve the desired result. The impact on students and their families is phenomenal.”

In addition to horseback riding therapy and equine assisted learning, Windwalker offers family and group camping, a team-building program, balanced riding, day camps and experiential learning programs such as adventure preschool and field trips for local schools, including a program for those with special needs.

“It is our hope to develop alliances with the local schools, social service organizations, Big Brother Big Sisters, business teams, church groups and special groups serving folks with disabilities,” Altig said.

Windwalker is open five days a week, nine months of the year (it is closed September, December and January). Each day is a mix of private, group and therapeutic lessons; special classes and events are held weekly, monthly and seasonally. The nonprofit is supported by fees for services provided, donations received, fund-raisers and volunteer services.

The ranch also has a scholarship program available for those who are unable to meet the cost of services. According to Altig, classes can be incorporated into students’ current mental or physical therapy program by including their therapist as a member of the instruction team. When this is done, the classes may be covered by insurance.

One of its day camps is listed in the current Community Ed catalog, “Horse Day Camp,” with two options, July 9-13 and Aug. 20-24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $295 for five six-hour sessions.

The ranch is gearing up for summer and is seeking volunteers for anything from feeding, fence maintenance, trail construction and grooming to assisting with the lessons and day camps. Assistants do not need to have horse knowledge but must be in good physical shape for lots of walking and helping to support students during mounting and dismounting.

Volunteers must participate in a training day which includes a first aid certification class.

“Our vision is to provide a place where people of all ages and abilities can come to experience the joy of being fully present and capable,” Altig said. “A place where they can discover hidden abilities, heal old wounds, build new dreams, and most of all, remember who they are.”

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