Whoever knew you could paint on a horse? Folks at Able to Serve (ATS) did just that when Five Hearts Therapeutic Horsemanship visited the campus with two patient horses: Bourbon, a tall reddish-brown animal, and Ferdinand, a light brown and white miniature horse.
Founder and Executive Director Dana Cooke, along with several volunteers clad in jeans and turquoise T-shirts, spent over two hours on Tuesday afternoon showing and assisting participants in the care and safety of horses. While everyone watched from the covered picnic shelter and picnic bench, the two animals munched on the grass.
Walking the animals onto the pavement, Dana demonstrated how to properly brush the horse’s coat. Eager — and apprehensive participants received assistance in brushing the animal in a circular pattern. As they brushed, clumps of hair fell to the ground, rolling off like tumbleweeds in the pleasant breeze.
Meanwhile, participants not actively involved in horse care were given horse-themed coloring pages and word search puzzles to work on if they desired. After the brushing segment of the visit was finished, another fun activity was introduced.
Participants were divided into two teams for a relay race to feed the horses. Given white colanders with a single clump of horse treat, the individual walked or ran a few yards to Bourbon on one side and to Ferdinand on the other side. When they returned, the container was passed to the next person in line.
The grand finale occurred when the opportunity to paint on the horse was announced. Using washable fluorescent colors, everyone who desired could paint on Bourbon as he nibbled on grass. The big animal was patient as participants, staff, and volunteers decorated him with various colors, shapes, and patterns. Chris, an ATS instructor, painted “Chris was here” on Bourbon’s side. Participant Abianne shared that painting a horse was now crossed off her bucket list. “This is awesome! Best day ever,” declared Emma.
As the painting was happening, the little horse had its mane embellished with strips of pink, yellow, and blue fairy hair. A gold-colored spiral-shaped cone strapped to the top of his head transformed the creature into a delightful unicorn who strutted back to the trailer at the end of the visit.
Saying goodbye and thank you, a tired but satisfied group returned to their rooms for final duties to end the day, while Bourbon and Ferdinand headed home for a well-earned bath.
Each participant received a round blue sticker of the company logo. This was the first time the non-profit visited ATS, volunteering their time as part of their community outreach, but we hope not the last.
Thank you, Five Hearts for a delightful visit, we hope to see you again soon!
Article Written by: Barbara Culler, ATS Volunteer Writer
