Gucci the therapeutic horse
Gucci has always had a very outgoing and friendly personality, loving her job of working with children. However, after she started to show signs of discomfort and her attitude changed, we realized something wasn't right. She was first diagnosed and treated for lyme disease, but this did not resolve the issues. Finally, after an ultrasound, the diagnosis of ovarian granulosa tumors was found. These tumors cause excessive production of testosterone which caused the mood change as well as discomfort from the large tumors.
Gucci had surgery at Valley Equine in Ranson, W.Va to remove the almost basketball sized tumors and is now in recovery. In addition to the $1600 surgery bill, the cost of medication, the fuel costs for the long trip from Shippensburg, PA to Ranson, WV in a diesel truck hauling Gucci in the trailer, plus the cost of leasing a substitute horse while Gucci is recovering is costing our program a minimum of $3200.
Reins of Rhythm Riding & Horsemanship, a program operating as a non-profit and run completely by volunteers, was started just with Gucci as our first therapy horse. Gucci has made a difference in over 100 children's lives in just the past year, not to mention the many others in her years as a therapy horse. Though our program has now expanded to include 5 lesson horses, Gucci has always been our main lesson horse, the one most of the children have their first ride on, and the one used the most in our special events and programs for the children. There are a lot of young people that have a special bond with this horse and her recovery is very important so that she can continue to have a positive influence and impact on young lives!
Horses benefit children in so many ways:
- Promotes Physical Exercise
- Increases Motivation
- Increases Confidence
- Develops Social Skills
- Provides Beneficial Recreation
- Teaches Responsibility and Care
- Creates Interaction
- Improves Coordination and Balance
- Develops Focus
- Provides Muscle Stimulation
- Enhances Coping Skills
Please consider helping Reins of Rhythm to be able to continue to offer services to the community by making a donation to our program today to help us with Gucci's recovery!
