Is there anyone who doesn't know how useful equine
therapy may be for the sick? Early childhood autism, oligophrenia, and cerebral
palsy are hard to treat with traditional methods. Children who suffer from
these severe illnesses especially benefit from therapeutic horse riding. In
addition to health benefits, the children simply enjoy spending time with
horses - these strong, beautiful and faithful helpers of ours.
This is why the sisters decided to organise horse
riding classes for children with special needs on the territory of the
rehabilitation centre. Although there is still much left to be done, the first
groups of children have already started their classes.
We have also opened Sirin Contact Zoo in the
rehabilitation centre recently. Unlike in a regular zoo, the visitors can
contact the animals directly, not just look at them from afar. Children who
live in the huge metropolitan city are especially fond of visiting such a zoo.
They get the opportunity to hold in their hands a white hedgehog, a small
tortoise or a ferret.
They can give carrots to a donkey or a lamb and hear
exciting stories about them. Nun Irina, the director of the zoo, says that
“these animals are not just living exhibits. The animals that live in the zoo
start to trust people again. People start to trust each other.” We plan to
establish a shelter for abandoned and homeless animals.
If our plans come true, the children will be able to
enjoy being with animals and become healthier. It will also help the brothers
who stay in the rehabilitation centre to have important and meaningful work to
do.
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