Horses for Healing

We are reaching out for help for our daughter, who we’ll call E to protect her privacy, as she goes through one of the hardest times of her life. E is 14 years old, a bright and compassionate young lady who loves spending time with animals. Sadly, she has been struggling for almost a year with a savage eating disorder that landed her in hospital in June. Unfortunately when she was first admitted to hospital she suffered abusive treatment by an undertrained member of staff, an experience that has left her traumatised, suffering frequent panic attacks, and so fearful of food and water that she has not been able to eat or drink since.

E has been in hospital for 5 months and has a very long way to go before she will be well enough to return home. Twice every day she has to have a tube inserted into her stomach through her nose to be fed. She has faced unimaginable challenges, dealing not only with the physical side of her illness but also with intense depression and anxiety, all while being away from her family. She is now receiving specialist care, but despite the many treatments attempted so far, nothing has brought her relief.

Her eating disorder is complex, and she does not fit the typical profile for any of the major eating disorders. This makes her treatment more difficult as the typical treatment pathways do not seem to be working and can in fact make things worse. Her medical team have noticed the positive effect that her dogs have when we bring them to the hospital to visit her. They have suggested we look for animal based therapies to support E's revovery.

Studies show that equine therapy can be profoundly healing for young people like E, especially those with severe anxiety and depression. Animals provide non-judgmental companionship, and the bond between a person and a horse has been shown to relieve feelings of isolation and to rebuild trust and self-worth. E’s doctors believe that regular equine therapy sessions could make a huge difference for her, but these sessions are costly and we will struggle to raise the funds alone.

We feel that creating positive experiences is crucial to her recovery. Equine therapy could bring her much-needed hope and strength as she fights her way through this brutal illness.

We are asking for help to fund six months of weekly equine therapy sessions, an opportunity for E to get some respite from hospital, connect with the animals and begin to heal from her trauma.

Your support could make all the difference. We know times are tough, and any amount, however small, would be a precious gift toward her recovery. Thank you for considering helping our little girl. Even a share of this page with others can make a huge impact.

With heartfelt gratitude,

E's Family