Meet Jonathan. We found him atop Lana as he guided the Amish draft horse carefully over and around obstacles inside a large ring.
Jonathan was confident and in control as he gave out commands asking Lana to walk and halt. Remarkably, he started riding at Prancing Horse Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship at age 3.
Prancing Horse Program Director Claire Sullivan poses with student Jonathan in background.
All during the hourlong lesson, volunteers followed alongside carefully ensuring safety as Claire Sullivan, program director, called out instructions. With a Therapeutic Horsemanship degree from St. Andrews University, Claire’s passion for what she does shines through. Sullivan attended Pinecrest High School.
Prancing Horse Center began 37 years ago in Cameron before relocating to Hoffman in 2014. It continues to serve as a teaching program for kids and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities and veterans on a 30-acre horse farm with 13 well-cared-for horses.
Feature photo: Student Jonathan rides Lana at Prancing Horse Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship as volunteers follow in December 2021.
~Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter John Patota.
