His transformation was beautiful.
DU CHUANLI
Chuanli was born with several developmental disabilities, including complex medical and developmental needs.
“I finally stumbled upon it, a horse ranch that was only rumored to exist.”
I was living in Henan, China and had been searching quite extensively for horses, guided only by the rarest, most vague countryside recollections. But in the process I found someone I hadn’t been searching for: Du Chuanli. He was curious about my arrival, he been hiding nearby the gate at a window where I parked my electric car. Both Chuanli’s parents worked away from home and without local resources for their child’s needs, they had resorted to chaining him to the bed when gone. The chain was just long enough for him to navigate their humble dwelling and to risk a curious glance in my direction.
Disbelief settled in like a heavy weight in my chest upon seeing the chain. Yet almost as quickly a horse galloping over to me indicated a special solution was right beside him.
Horse therapy (aka “equine-assisted therapy”) is especially effective for children with developmental needs, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. Clinical observations support this approach, which yields physical , cognitive , emotional & pyschological and social benefits and provides sensory integration.
We secured permission from his parents to work with their child on a weekly basis. During our time with him, he learned how to ride, shoot archery, and draw using an ipad. We became good friends over a full year, and his photos are my own favorite recollection and wayfinding memory.
In the updates I get, Du Chuanli appears to be smiling and laughing more. Horse therapy was just one way we served the needs of children with special needs.
