The Equine Assisted Social-Emotional Growth Program was created through a two-year collaboration between Chautauqua County Tapestry and Mental Health Association and Centaur Stride to help address one of the greatest challenges facing families of children with neurodiverse diagnoses: caregiver burnout and the need for meaningful respite.

Respite is difficult to define, much less have the potential to actually occur. Every child’s needs are different, and families often find themselves asking: Where do we turn? What services are available? How can the entire family stay connected when one child requires so much time and attention?

Aides who are gifted in working with neurodivergent children are very difficult to find. Even if there is funding to help pay for that care, if the aides are not available, there is no respite, and reimbursable funds go unused.

Parents crave relief from constant responsibility, and the ability to exist without constant anticipatory stress. More than that, they want to know that their child can be safe, happy, make and keep friends, and can have choices. They want their child to be included.

Porter helping to lead his horse in the arena.

At Centaur Stride, we approach respite with a different kind of rest. Not absence from their child but a chance to be an observer of the things longed for, while connecting with other families facing similar journeys. We create an environment where all the children in a family can participate at one time, in one place, and sometimes together? A place where every child can progress at their own pace in a supportive, adaptive and welcoming natural environment. A place where siblings of children with disabilities can meet others who understand their experiences and want to be there.

That is what the E.A.S.E. Growth Program is promoting.

Our specially trained therapy horses and experienced instructors understand how to work with children with diverse needs. Nothing is forced. Children are encouraged to explore, participate, and build trust in their own time. The environment is safe and free of judgment — and the horses create an immediate connection.

One participant, Porter, returned to Centaur Stride after a six-year break. He stopped coming when COVID shut everything down. On his very first visit back, he remembered every horse’s name from years earlier and was looking for them. Curious and energetic, Porter preferred to explore the barn on his own terms rather than be directed. His mother shared that she often struggles to balance guidance with allowing him independence and wished there were more places where he could safely make his own choices. She said she is always prompting him what to do and when. Compliance is not the same as choice. Making good choices requires the body to self-regulate, and that requires time and a non-stressful environment.

Children with neurodivergence often have high anxiety. They may have difficulties in new places or if there are any changes in the structure of their “normal” routine. They need to be prepared for anything new, or it takes a while before they feel safe and can adjust to the new experience. Parents are their safe haven. Separating from them can be difficult.

Porter grooming and bonding with his horse.

At first, Porter chose not to ride. He needed mom to be close by, within his vision and he needed his freedom to move within his comfort zone. Instead of riding, he happily led his assigned horse around the arena and explored the environment. He observed others, and tried some of the activities from the ground. By the fourth week, with encouragement from his instructor, Porter got on his horse.

Mom let out a sigh of relief, happy that time was given for Porter to make his own choices, even though it took until the fourth session to get on the horse.

That moment represented growth, communication, (Porter is non-verbal), confidence, and emotional regulation happening in real time.

The following week brought new challenges. A different instructor led the class. Porter did not get on the horse.

The world does not accommodate. It is a lifelong regime of dealing with anxiety. Coping skills are critical.

Recently, Jenny Laney from Hillside Family of Agencies, shared information about services available to families of children on the autistic spectrum. Several parents said they had never heard of many of these resources and did not even know where to begin looking for support, until they heard her speak.

Children ages 5 to 21 with disabilities are eligible to participate for free in the E.A.S.E. Growth Program at Centaur Stride. Parents must accompany participating children, and siblings within the age range are welcome to join.

The next session begins the week of June 1, with Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday after-school sessions, times subject to change based on school schedules. Registration required, and attendance required to maintain a spot in the program. Contact Holly at info@centaurstride.org.

Sometimes respite begins with something as simple as a horse, a safe place, and the freedom to let go.

Claudia Monroe is president and founder of Centaur Stride.