Finding Ninee » Sharing our parenting and special needs stories with heart and humor.

Equine Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder

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Today’s Our Land is from a new-to-me special needs advocate, Geralyn. Her post today is about raising empathy and wonder, finding solutions to challenges, and the magical powers of horses. I hope you like it as much as I do. 

Hippo Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder 

Equine Therapy for Sensory Processing

I always knew I wanted to be a mother. But having children wasn’t exactly an easy road for me.  My husband, Chris, and I had a challenging first pregnancy, but were lucky to bring our incredible son Andy into the world. When we got pregnant a second time, we lost the child. After going through that heartbreak, we decided to look into adoption. 

At first, I had no idea what to think. With my son, I had nine months to prepare and fall in love with him as he grew inside of me! What would it be like without the experience of pregnancy? I was nervous.

But all of my fears vanished as soon as I met Delaney. Chris and I were there when she was born, and I immediately fell in love. There was never any doubt in my mind that this was my daughter. 

As she began growing, I could tell that there was something different about Delaney. She was much quieter than Andy. She was hitting all of her important milestones later than Andy. I hoped they were just two individuals taking different paths. But there was always a nagging feeling at the back of my mind that something just wasn’t adding up.

Finally, Chris and I decided it was time to stop ignoring our instincts and take Delaney to the doctor. While we sat in the waiting room, I tried to quiet the alarm bells in my mind and convince myself that I was just being an overprotective mother. An hour later, the doctor gave us a diagnosis: Delaney had a sensory processing disorder.

Hearing those words come out of the doctor’s mouth was a shock. Chris and I wanted to give our daughter the world. We wanted all of her dreams to come true. Uncertain of what the implications of her diagnosis meant for her future, we threw ourselves into research right away.

Turns out, sensory processing disorder isn’t a death sentence. Far from it, in fact. With the right treatment and family involvement, children with SPD can live completely normal lives. We found comfort in tales from other parents online. Our Delaney was still the same, loving child she had always been; we just needed to listen to her.

Once Delaney started speaking, she immediately began talking about horses. Anytime we drove through the countryside, Delaney’s eyes would light up as she watched the horses run through the open fields. I’d never seen her so excited about something! I knew that I wanted her to be able to pursue this passion and that I would do everything I could to make it happen. 

I quickly found Celtic Charms, a therapeutic riding center just down the road from our home in New Jersey. It provided programs for people with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. When I first called, Delaney was too young — the minimum riding age was four — but enrolled her on her fourth birthday.

From the minute Delaney walked into the barn, she was a natural.

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She came alive in the ring, commanding her horse and responding to its movements.

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Outside of the ring, Delaney was able to learn responsibility, proudly carrying her saddle back to storage after her lessons. These were the things that I struggled with every day at home, but they came so easily in the barns. Delaney was truly in her element. I saw her come to life before my eyes.

Equine therapy wasn’t something I was terribly familiar with, but when I thought about it more deeply, it completely made sense to me. Animals are accepting, comforting and provide us with immediate, unfiltered feedback. There’s no second guessing or judgment when it comes to dealing with animals—their reaction is their reaction. For a child with trouble processing sensory information, that simple, honest relationship was probably a breath of fresh air!

Now that Delaney has gotten older and is starting kindergarten, we’ve had to cut back a bit because of her school schedule. Still, we take the time early in the morning before school to go to the barn and get her riding sessions in. Her time with the horses helps her get ready to learn and stay centered. It’s like medicine to her. She can learn and feel that she’s in control of herself and her body. For a mother, that’s an amazing gift to give your child, especially when it doesn’t come easily to her.

But it isn’t just Delaney who has experienced major life changes through her equine therapy. Seeing her transformation has truly transformed myself and Chris, as well. We’ve stopped and taken a look at our own lives.

I worked on Wall Street for 15 years. After learning about the sad state of special education in New Jersey, I decided to go back in school and pursue a degree in early childhood education. Chris has been giving back to the community as a volunteer firefighter.

But, ultimately, we wanted to give back to the organization that helped Delaney find herself. When the barn announced the dates for their annual ride-a-thon, a recital-type event where riders showcase their skills, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to give back. The funds raised through the ride-a-thon provide scholarships and free equipment rentals to families who may not be able to afford it. 

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I collected pledges for Delaney’s ride on the fundraising website everydayhero to help those who needed it. When Delaney entered the ring for the ride-a-thon on June 1, we had raised nearly $1,000. 

I’m constantly blown away the incredible group of inspirational parents, guardians and loved ones that have welcomes my family into their hearts. It’s the most inspirational community to be a part of — these people are coming together to do something for the greater good. It motivates me to pay it forward. But mostly, I feel so fortunate, and blessed, that my little girl has found riding. She’s found her passion, the thing that helps her know herself and love the world that she’s in. It’s the hope that every parent has for their child. Watching the spark of Delaney’s spirit each time she enters the ring is a transformation, and a miracle, that will never grow old.

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More about Geralyn: Geralyn Drury is a mom on a mission. Formerly a Wall Street worker, she was motivated to change careers after witnessing the sad state of education with her daughter Delaney, who has sensory processing disorder. Now, she’s back in school studying early childhood education. Alongside her husband Chris and son Andy, she spends her free time raising money to help children like Delaney with cognitive disorders.


  • Mike - This was an absolutely wonderful guest post, Geralyn, and thank you for sharing her and Delaney with us, Kristi! I loved so many parts about this and it started with just the need to listen to Delaney. I find that to be true with all people on all levels. And it’s magnified times infinity with special needs children. This reminded me on several levels of one of my favorite movies “The Horse Whisperer.” Geralyn, that’s great that you pay it forward and what an awesome change for you to change jobs. You are so right…the miracle will never grow old. Sweet little Delaney, please always know you are loved by so many and we are so very proud of you!! There are no boundaries as to what you will accomplish our young hero!:)July 16, 2014 – 12:33 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - I think you’re so right, Mike that everybody just needs to be heard and Delaney is awesome!July 17, 2014 – 11:59 amReplyCancel

  • Elizabeth - What a great experience! Thank you for sharing this terrific story.July 16, 2014 – 2:02 pmReplyCancel

  • Tamara - One of my good friends is a therapist who uses equine therapy in her practice too. So amazing to hear about.
    I grew up as a horse person, but I sort of outgrew it over the years. My mom has horses so I get my fix occasionally.
    And one of my best friends’ kids has SPD. He leads a very fulfilling life but his mom tells us what it’s like for us sometimes. I remember that he had trouble with the sound my camera makes when I was taking photos of him. However, I didn’t have to stop. He knew how to make himself feel better without me stopping.July 16, 2014 – 3:36 pmReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - That’s so cool that you have a good friend who uses equine therapy! I grew up as a horse person, too, but don’t really ride often any longer. And yay for your friend’s son knowing how to make himself feel better on his own – that’s big.July 17, 2014 – 12:01 pmReplyCancel

  • Michelle @ A Dish of Daily Life - I love this! I never would have thought of equine therapy but it makes total sense…animals are wonderful therapy. It’s been proven many times over!July 17, 2014 – 3:32 pmReplyCancel

  • Shay from Trashy Blog - This post is beautiful. We learn so much from our kids!July 18, 2014 – 3:11 pmReplyCancel

  • K - So awesome!! I love that Delaney has gotten so much joy from her horses, and that they have been so beneficial for her…I did hippotherapy for a few years when I was her age, and I loved it too! I did it mostly to improve my balance, but you’re right — it’s spiritually and emotionally grounding as well. 🙂 Beautiful post, thank you for sharing!July 20, 2014 – 11:54 amReplyCancel

  • Misty - oh my, it is so nice to read a story about another mom who felt compelled to go back to school and earn a degree in education! patty loves horses but i haven’t given much thought to riding therapy. i’ll have to see if there is a program near by!July 25, 2014 – 6:16 amReplyCancel

    • Kristi Campbell - Sorry I’m just seeing this but yay to horses and school. Please consider going back!!!August 5, 2014 – 12:50 amReplyCancel

  • Marissa Divito - Wow I loved reading this. I am currently an OT student who grew up in a world of horses but have interested in combining my passion of working with kids who have SPD and using horse as a tool in therapy.June 24, 2022 – 9:47 amReplyCancel

  • Hot Horse - Your insightful exploration of equine therapy for sensory processing disorder (SPD) sheds light on the transformative impact horses can have on individuals facing sensory challenges. In the context of working with SPD, have you considered discussing strategies for managing a hot horse during equine therapy sessions? While not covered in your post, incorporating insights into handling high-energy or excitable horses may enhance the effectiveness of equine therapy for individuals with sensory processing difficulties. Your commitment to sharing the benefits of equine therapy is commendable, and your thoughtful examination contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how horses can positively influence those with sensory needs. Thank you for providing valuable insights into this therapeutic alliance between horses and individuals navigating sensory processing disorder.November 27, 2023 – 11:30 pmReplyCancel

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