Peter had a tough start to life, he and his twin brother Parker were born at 23 weeks gestation. His brother only survived for 9 days. Peter spent 194 days in the hospital growing and having multiple surgeries. Once he came home, he was in and out of doctor offices for eating, speech, OT, PT, and other therapies.
As Peter got older, we could tell he was getting sick of going to the doctor all the time. We knew he still needed therapy and that is when we found Susie and Freedom Farm. Freedom Farm has been an absolute Godsend for Peter and our family.
Peter, age 7, started riding at Freedom Farm in the spring of 2015. Riding once a week at Freedom Farm has taken Peter’s speech and confidence to new heights. When Peter started riding, he was very soft spoken, stuttering, and had basically no confidence in himself. After just 3 riding lessons he was no longer stuttering, is well spoken and has gained self-esteem. He tells us that he feels proud of himself. That is something we thought we would never hear.
The teachers at school say that Peter is a completely different kid than last year. He is contributing in class, making new friends and improving intellectually. Our family also can see the changes in Peter. Grandma says “I am not sure what is going on at Freedom Farm and that horse but whatever it is, we need to keep doing it.”
We still have work to do at Freedom Farm. Peter still struggles considerably with ADHD, anxiety, meticulousness behavior, and transitioning from one thing to the next. We can’t thank Susie and all the volunteers enough for the difference they have made in Peter’s life as well as our life as a family. Susie is one of the most loving people we have every met and she truly is vested in every rider at Freedom Farm to make sure these children can live the best quality and productive life that they are able to live.
by Patricia, Peter’s mom.