Wednesday, December 7th, 2016
A quiet woman who had advocated for the underserved until the effects of her dementia forced her retirement, Maria walks slowly into the barn with her care partner. Axle, a large bay horse, pops his head over the stall door to greet the strangers. Maria approaches Axle, who is at least 10 times her weight.
The workshop facilitator, who knows the power of the human-horse connection, brings them closer together. In only a few steps they are face to face. Axle leans sideways to rest his head on Maria’s shoulder and breathes.
The barn is silent. Maria is motionless. Then she smiles and, for that moment, it is okay that she can no longer speak.
This is the power of The Connected Horse Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by dementia. It was founded by two of CALA’s board members, Paula Hertel with Senior Living Consult, and Nancy Schier Anzelmo with Alzheimer’s Care Associates. We have shared news and information about Connected Horse here on the blog and in the CALA News & Views magazine. And we are happy to share more!