Graycen Zimmer builds confidence while riding Jake as Shawn Jones provides a steadying hand. (Photo Provided)

GUYSVILLE, Ohio — Children in West Virginia and Ohio are receiving therapy as they learn about horses.

In June and July, 13 children from Jackson County, W.Va., and Belpre City and Wolf Creek school districts in Ohio are spending a day each week learning about feeding a horse, caring for a horse, getting on a horse, horse saddles and other equine topics.

The Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy (EAAT) five-week program is taking place at Dutch Pines Equine in Guysville, Athens County. Jess Quinlan, a graduate of Meredith Manor in Wood County, owns the business.

The program, which is new to the area, is being offered through Easter Seals Rehabilitation of Wheeling, which has an office in Parkersburg. The local program was developed by Mary Lee Kelly, occupational therapist, and Shawn Jones, physical therapist, who work for Easter Seals Rehabilitation in Parkersburg.

“This is not a horseback riding lesson,” said Jones, who lives in Vienna. The horses are used to help with therapy using different activities, she said.

Decker Sleek listens carefully to Jess Quinlan so he can get the water for his horse at Dutch Pines Equine. (Photo Provided)

The program is designed to enhance the physical, social/emotional, cognitive and communication skills of the children, who are 6 to 10 years old. The children receive therapy services in the schools during the school year.

Younger children, ages birth to 3 years old, receive therapy in the family’s home through the Easter Seals center.

The summer camp concept strives to help “differently abled students” during the summer, said Jones.

The program is structured for the individual child’s needs, Jones said.

The parents and children love the program, Jones said.

Braylen Clegg is relaxed and focused while having fun riding at Dutch Pines Equine. (Photo Provided)

EAAT received financial support this year from the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Ross Foundation as well as financial support and freedom to expand the existing program from Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center of Wheeling, Jones said.

Children receive an individual session one day a week to work on goals, which are created by the child, parent and therapist.

Some parents travel as much as an hour to attend the EAAT program.